jaywalk
Translation
to cross the road carelessly
Examples
Don't jaywalk in front of cars.
Don't cross the road carelessly in front of cars.
She got a ticket for jaywalking.
She got a ticket for crossing the road carelessly.
Grammar Patterns
to jaywalk to cross a street at a place where it is not allowed or safe It is illegal to jaywalk in some cities.
Similar Words
Synonyms: cross illegally; Antonyms: use a crosswalk
Etymology
From 'jay', old slang for a foolish or rustic person, plus 'walk'. So, to walk foolishly in the street.
Memory Tips
Imagine a blue 'jay' bird foolishly 'walking' across a busy road.