What does "jehu" mean?
A coachman; a driver; especially, one who drives furiously.
Jehu
name, noun, slang
name, noun, slang ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A coachman; a driver; especially, one who drives furiously.
- Grammar: jehu is listed as name, noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: bullwhacker, cabdriver, carter, coachman.
- Usage evidence: Among those who seemed disposed to join in this opinion was the Jehu of the Warwickshire coach, who expressed his conviction to our hero, that "he wos a young gent as had much himproved hisself since he tooled him up to the Warsity with his guvnor."
How to use "jehu"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "jehu" 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
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- 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 "jehu" 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
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "jehu" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "jehu" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "jehu" is acting as name, noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "bullwhacker" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "jehu", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A coachman; a driver; especially, one who drives furiously. colloquial, dated
"Among those who seemed disposed to join in this opinion was the Jehu of the Warwickshire coach, who expressed his conviction to our hero, that "he wos a young gent as had much himproved hisself since he tooled him up to the Warsity with his guvnor.""
- 2 Alternative form of jehu. alt-of, alternative
"‘Are you sure, Atherton, that there is no one at the back?’ ‘Of course I’m sure, — you can go and see for yourself if you like; do you think I’m blind? Jehu’s drunk.’ Throwing up the sash he addressed the driver. ‘What do you mean with your old gent at the window? — what window?’"
Proper Noun
- 1 A king of Israel in the 9th century B.C.
"Now Azaēlos, the king of Syria, made war on the Israelites and their king Jehu, and ravaged the eastern parts of the country across the Jordan […] spreading fire everywhere and plundering everything and inflicting violence on all who fell into his hands."
- 2 A male given name from Hebrew.
- 3 A surname.
Example
"Among those who seemed disposed to join in this opinion was the Jehu of the Warwickshire coach, who expressed his conviction to our hero, that "he wos a young gent as had much himproved hisself since he tooled him up to the Warsity with his guvnor.""
Common questions
What is a synonym for "jehu"?
Common synonyms include: bullwhacker, cabdriver, carter, coachman, driver, flier.
How do you use "jehu" in a sentence?
Among those who seemed disposed to join in this opinion was the Jehu of the Warwickshire coach, who expressed his conviction to our hero, that "he wos a young gent as had much himproved hisself since he tooled him up to the Warsity with his guvnor."
Etymology
Etymology 1
England from 17th century, from Jehu. The Bible says of Jehu (son of Nimshi) that "he driveth furiously" (2 Kings 9:20). He was commander of chariots for the king of Israel before later leading a revolt and becoming king himself.
Etymology 2
Borrowed from Biblical Hebrew יֵהוּא (Yēhûʔ). Attested to in Akkadian as 𒁹𒅀𒌑𒀀 𒌉 𒁹𒄷𒌝𒊑𒄿 (Yaua mār Ḫumrî, literally “Jehu son of Omri”).