What does "jabberwocky" mean?
Invented or meaningless language; nonsense.
Jabberwocky
/ˈd͡ʒæbɚwɔki/ adj, name, noun
adj, name, noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Invented or meaningless language; nonsense.
- Grammar: jabberwocky is listed as adj, name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: babble, drivel, gibberish, gobbledygook.
- Usage evidence: His long-haired, blond, Teddy Bear hamster was called Jabberwocky.
How to use "jabberwocky"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "jabberwocky" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "jabberwocky" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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Definitions
Noun
- 1 Invented or meaningless language; nonsense. uncountable, usually
""I like the way your mind works, Hosler," Stanley said. "You go after concrete proof of your contentions - none of this scientific jabborwocky.""
- 2 nonsensical language (according to Lewis Carroll) wordnet
Adjective
- 1 meaningless, worthless
- 2 absurd, nonsense, nonsensical
"Only the Pet Shop Boys can sing jabberwocky lines like “I thought I heard a train/Down in the cemetery/Cellophane” and make them sound sexy and evil."
Proper Noun
- 1 A nonsensical poem that appears in Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll.
Example
"His long-haired, blond, Teddy Bear hamster was called Jabberwocky."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "jabberwocky"?
Common synonyms include: babble, drivel, gibberish, gobbledygook, greek, jabber.
How do you use "jabberwocky" in a sentence?
His long-haired, blond, Teddy Bear hamster was called Jabberwocky.
How do you pronounce "jabberwocky"?
Pronounced /ˈd͡ʒæbɚwɔki/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
The name of a nonsense poem from the children's book Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There (1872) by Lewis Carroll. Apparently based on the Jabberwock, the monster described therein, with the suffix -y in imitation of classical epics such as the Odyssey.
Etymology 2
From Jabberwocky, a nonsense poem written by Lewis Carroll.