# jock

/ˈdʒɑk/ (US) · /dʒˈɒk/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/jock
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a person who is very interested in sports and is often very athletic. People sometimes use this word to suggest that the person is popular but perhaps not very interested in school or books.

For teachers: a person who is highly active in sports or athletics, typically within a school or university context. Often carries a stereotypical connotation of physical prowess paired with limited intellectual interests; informal and frequently used in North American English.

## Examples

- He was a typical jock who spent every afternoon on the football field.
- The movie follows a group of students, including a popular jock and a quiet artist, who become unlikely friends.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in North American English; can be used affectionately among friends or pejoratively by outsiders.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.