# Judd

/ˈdʒəd/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. mining term

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Dialect

a large block of coal that has been cut at the sides and bottom so it is ready to fall.

For teachers: a mass of coal in a mine that has been undercut and side-cut, prepared to be brought down by wedging or blasting.

- The miners worked carefully to prepare the judd before the end of their shift.
- After the undercutting was complete, the team ensured the judd was properly supported before the final charges were set for the blast.

Usage: Primarily found in historical or technical accounts of northern English coal mining.

Teaching tip: This is an extremely niche term; learners will likely only encounter it in historical literature or specialized industrial history.

### 2. a surname

noun · CEFR B2

a common family name in English-speaking countries.

For teachers: a surname of Middle English origin, derived from a pet form of the name Jordan.

- Donald Judd was a famous American artist known for his large sculptures.
- The gallery is hosting a retrospective of the works of Judd, focusing on his contributions to minimalism during the 1960s.

Usage: Capitalized as a proper noun.

Teaching tip: While the mining term is rare, the name is common. Students may recognize it through famous figures like artist Donald Judd or actress Ashley Judd.

## Examples

- The miners stopped working when they noticed a heavy judd above them.
- Safety inspectors warned the crew about a judd that had formed after the last round of blasting.
- In the narrow seams of the northern collieries, the constant threat of a judd required experienced hewers to listen for the subtle creaking of the timber supports.

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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.