jetsam

noun

jet·​sam ˈjet-səm How to pronounce jetsam (audio)
1
: the part of a ship, its equipment, or its cargo that is cast overboard to lighten the load in time of distress and that sinks or is washed ashore
2

Examples of jetsam in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Full of the flotsam and jetsam of everyday affairs. Maya Singer, Vogue, 1 July 2024 Luke called the vultures back and reshot the scene with the jetsam of pestilence. Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 6 Nov. 2023 The barge carried acoustic equipment and was festooned with fluorescent light sticks and suspended jetsam that clinked and chimed. Ben McGrath, The New Yorker, 2 Oct. 2023 For Kevin Nunez and his son Nathan, Native Americans who have long family history locked within the rugged and geologically active mountains, volunteering to help remove the flotsam and jetsam of tourists is a solemn duty. Louis Sahagún, Los Angeles Times, 1 Aug. 2023 See all Example Sentences for jetsam 

Word History

Etymology

alteration of jettison

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of jetsam was in 1591

Dictionary Entries Near jetsam

Cite this Entry

“Jetsam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jetsam. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

jetsam

noun
jet·​sam ˈjet-səm How to pronounce jetsam (audio)
: goods thrown overboard to lighten a ship in distress
especially : such goods when washed ashore

Legal Definition

jetsam

noun
jet·​sam ˈjet-səm How to pronounce jetsam (audio)
: the part of a ship, its equipment, or its cargo that is cast overboard to lighten the load in time of distress and that sinks or is washed ashore compare flotsam

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