ajax: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Commercial, Technical (web development)
Quick answer
What does “ajax” mean?
A cleaning agent, typically a scouring powder.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A cleaning agent, typically a scouring powder.
Primarily a brand name for a cleaning product; in modern contexts, can refer to a web development technique (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) by association.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In cleaning contexts, the brand is known in both regions. The computing term is international with no regional variation in meaning.
Connotations
In cleaning: connotes a strong, abrasive cleaner. In computing: connotes modern, dynamic, seamless web applications.
Frequency
Frequency is low in both regions for the cleaning product. The computing term is high-frequency in IT/tech circles globally.
Grammar
How to Use “ajax” in a Sentence
[Verb] + Ajax (e.g., 'Use Ajax on the stain')[Adjective] + Ajax (e.g., 'powerful Ajax')Ajax + [Verb] (e.g., 'Ajax cleans quickly')Ajax + [Preposition] (e.g., 'requests via AJAX')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ajax” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The developer will ajax the form submission for a smoother experience.
- We need to ajaxify this page.
American English
- Let's AJAX that search function to prevent page reloads.
- The feature was ajaxed to improve performance.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In retail: referring to the cleaning product brand. In tech: referring to a standard web development methodology.
Academic
Rare outside of computer science or marketing/branding studies.
Everyday
Primarily understood as a brand of household cleaner.
Technical
Dominantly refers to the web development technique for creating interactive applications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ajax”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ajax”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ajax”
- Capitalising it in all contexts (it's often lowercased in computing).
- Pronouncing the 'j' as /ʒ/ (it's /dʒ/).
- Using it as a generic verb (e.g., 'I'll ajax the sink').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The cleaning product is a trademark and is capitalised. The computing term started as an acronym (AJAX) but is commonly lowercased ('ajax') as it became a generic technique.
No, it's a coincidence. The computing term is an acronym coined in 2005 for 'Asynchronous JavaScript and XML'. The cleaner is a much older brand name.
Yes, informally in tech circles (e.g., 'ajax that request'), but it's considered jargon and not formal English.
It's pronounced /ˈeɪ.dʒæks/ (AY-jaks) in both British and American English for all meanings.
A cleaning agent, typically a scouring powder.
Ajax is usually informal, commercial, technical (web development) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None in common use]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'A JAX' of strength for cleaning, or 'A JAX' of data for web pages.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLEANING IS PURIFYING / WEB INTERACTIVITY IS FLUID MOVEMENT.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common contemporary meaning of 'ajax' in a professional technical context?