jack-in-the-box

or jack-in-a-box

[ jak-in-th uh-boks ]
/ ˈdʒæk ɪn ðəˌbɒks /

noun, plural jack-in-the-box·es.

a toy consisting of a box from which an enclosed figure springs up when the lid is opened.

Origin of jack-in-the-box

First recorded in 1545–55

Words nearby jack-in-the-box

jack up, jack-a-dandy, jack-by-the-hedge, jack-go-to-bed-at-noon, jack-in-office, jack-in-the-box, jack-in-the-green, jack-in-the-pulpit, jack-o'-lantern, jack-of-all-trades, jack-tar

Example sentences from the Web for jack-in-the-box

British Dictionary definitions for jack-in-the-box

jack-in-the-box

noun plural jack-in-the-boxes or jacks-in-the-box

a toy consisting of a figure on a compressed spring in a box, which springs out when the lid is opened