English Reference
noun · verb

jacket

n. · v.
US /ˈdʒækət/ UK /dʒˈækɪt/ jack·et UK spelling jackets

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    n.a short coat that you wear over your other clothes to keep warm or look smart.

    n.an outer garment extending to the waist or hips, typically having sleeves and a fastening down the front.

    Simple

    Don't forget to bring a light jacket because it might get cold this evening.

    In context

    The dress code requires a formal jacket and tie for all guests attending the evening gala in the main hall.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a protective outer cover for something, like a book or a water tank.

    n.an outer covering or casing used for protection, insulation, or identification.

    Simple

    The book jacket was beautifully designed with bright colors and gold letters.

    In context

    The technician replaced the insulation jacket on the boiler to improve the building's overall energy efficiency.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate British English Cooking

    n.the skin of a potato, especially when it is baked.

    n.the skin of a potato, particularly when left on during the cooking process.

    Simple

    I usually eat the jacket of the potato because it contains many vitamins.

    In context

    The chef served the sea bass alongside a crispy jacket potato seasoned with sea salt and rosemary.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced SlangAmerican English

    n.a person's official criminal record or police file.

    n.a person's official criminal history or police file, often used in law enforcement contexts.

    Simple

    The officer checked the suspect's jacket to see if he had any previous arrests.

    In context

    Despite his clean appearance, a quick look at his jacket revealed a history of minor drug offenses and parole violations.

  5. 05 C2 Proficiency Technical

    v.to put a cover or a jacket around something.

    v.to enclose or encase an object in a protective or insulating covering.

    Simple

    The workers had to jacket the pipes to prevent them from freezing in the winter.

    In context

    Engineers decided to jacket the structural steel columns with fire-resistant material to meet the new safety regulations.

    encasecoverwrap

From Middle French jacquet, diminutive of Old French jaque.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Old French jaque
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Common
Updated