blackjack
noun · verb
Simple meaning
A gambling game using cards.
Pronunciation
Say it like this:
blakjakSay the bold part a little louder.
IPA pronunciation (US)
ˈblækdʒæk
This word is pronounced essentially the same in American and British English, so one transcription covers both.
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a standard way of writing speech sounds.
Definition
Everyday modern meanings first, grouped by part of speech.
noun
card games
A gambling game using cards; the object is to hold cards having a higher count than those dealt to the banker up to but not exceeding 21
card games
A common gambling card game in casinos, where the object is to get as close to 21 without going over.
card games
A hand in the game of blackjack consisting of a face card and an ace.
card games
A variant of switch where each player is initially dealt the same number of cards, usually seven, and when one player plays a black jack the player whose turn comes next has to pick up that many cards, unless they play a red jack (as this normally cancels a black jack).
A flag usually bearing a white skull and crossbones on a black background; indicates a pirate ship
The flag (i.e., a jack) traditionally flown by pirate ships; popularly thought to be a white skull and crossed bones on a black field (the Jolly Roger).
verb
To strike with a blackjack or similar weapon.
Word Aura™
How this word commonly comes across.
Aura for this meaning
This meaning: A gambling game using cards; the object is to hold cards having a higher count than those dealt to the banker up to but not exceeding 21
Used this way, blackjack is a reasonably familiar word that usually carries little praise or criticism of its own. It usually sounds natural in a wide range of settings.
- Emotional tone
- Neutral
- Formality
- Neutral
- Intensity
- Not strongly marked
- How common
- Moderately common
- Connotation
- Matter-of-fact
- Usage feel
- Neutral and straightforward
Nearby words
- sap , more casual, better suited to speech than writing
- cosh , rarer, so it draws attention
Word Aura describes common impressions, not a measurement. Tone changes with sentence, speaker, relationship and situation.
More ways to use blackjack
- “He learned to play blackjack at the casino, hoping to win some extra money.”noun
Share your sentence
More about this wordSynonyms, forms, origin
Use This Word
See how this word sounds in a real sentence.
Ask Vocabaura
Understand the word your way.
What Does It Mean Here?
Words can change meaning depending on context.
Use it yourself
Knowing “blackjack” starts when you use it. Pick a next step, all free.
Dictionary data from Wiktionary via the Free Dictionary API. Simple meanings, combinations and word intelligence are built from verified reference data, no AI is used to load this page.