Jai

/dʒaɪ/ noun

Definition

A name used in some cultures; in English, most famously part of 'jai alai,' a ball sport popular in Spain and Latin America.

Etymology

From Basque 'jai,' meaning 'merry' or 'happy.' In 'jai alai,' 'alai' means 'merry game,' so it literally translates to 'merry merry' or 'happy game.'

Kelly Says

The Basque people in Spain created jai alai, and it became hugely popular in Cuba, Mexico, and Florida—but the word 'jai' stayed Basque, making it one of the few sport terms that preserved its unique non-European origin language in English.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.