# Jordan

/ˈdʒɔɹdən/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. the country

noun · CEFR B1

a country in the Middle East, located east of Israel and Palestine.

For teachers: a sovereign Arab country in Western Asia, officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

- Many tourists visit Jordan to see the ancient city of Petra.
- Diplomatic relations between the two nations have remained stable since the signing of the peace treaty with Jordan in the mid-nineties.

### 2. the river

noun · CEFR B1

a famous river in the Middle East that flows into the Dead Sea.

For teachers: a 251-kilometre-long river in the Levant that flows through the Sea of Galilee and to the Dead Sea.

- The Jordan River is a very important water source for the region.
- Ecologists have raised concerns about the declining water levels of the Jordan due to extensive agricultural irrigation and regional climate shifts.

### 3. a person's name

noun · CEFR A2

a common first name or family name for both men and women.

For teachers: a unisex given name or surname of Hebrew origin, originally referring to the river.

- Jordan is starting a new job at the hospital next week.
- The professor noted that the surname Jordan became particularly prevalent in Europe following the return of the Crusaders from the Holy Land.

### 4. a chamber pot

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

an old word for a pot used as a toilet in a bedroom.

For teachers: a vessel used as a chamber pot; historically also used by alchemists and doctors.

- In the old play, the character hides a jordan under the bed.
- The museum's collection of medieval domestic items includes a well-preserved ceramic jordan found during the excavation of the old tavern.

## Examples

- Many tourists visit Jordan to see the ancient ruins of Petra.
- The government of Jordan has worked extensively to manage water resources in its arid climate.
- Diplomatic relations in the Levant often hinge on the stability of Jordan, which serves as a critical mediator and host to significant refugee populations from neighboring conflicts.

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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.