jamboree
C2 (Very Low Frequency)Informal
Definition
Meaning
A large, noisy celebration or party, often lasting several days.
Any large, lively gathering or event, especially one with a celebratory or festive atmosphere; specifically used for major national or international gatherings of Scouts.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
While the word originates from and is strongly associated with the Scout movement, it has broadened to describe other large, celebratory gatherings. It carries connotations of organised, communal fun and excitement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. It is recognised in both varieties primarily through its Scouting association.
Connotations
In both varieties, the primary connotation is the Scout Jamboree. In broader use, it sounds slightly old-fashioned or whimsical.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties. Its use outside the context of Scouting is rare.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[determiner] + jamboree[adjective] + jamboreejamboree + [prepositional phrase (of/in/for)]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Three Jamboree Moon (archaic slang for three months in jail)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used; if so, dismissively for a costly corporate event seen as frivolous (e.g., 'That sales conference was more of a jamboree than a strategy meeting.').
Academic
Virtually never used, except in historical/cultural studies of youth movements.
Everyday
Used humorously or descriptively for a very large, lively party or local festival.
Technical
The official term for specific major Scout events (e.g., 'The 24th World Scout Jamboree').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The team decided to jamboree their success with a weekend in Blackpool.
American English
- After the finals, they're going to jamboree all night long.
adverb
British English
- The celebrations carried on jamboree-style until dawn.
American English
- They celebrated jamboree-like, with music and fireworks.
adjective
British English
- The village fete had a wonderfully jamboree atmosphere.
American English
- It was a real jamboree spirit at the block party.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The school had a summer jamboree with games and food.
- Our town's annual jamboree is the biggest event of the year.
- The international scout jamboree brings together thousands of young people from over 100 countries.
- Critics dismissed the political convention as little more than a carefully stage-managed jamboree for the party faithful.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a JAM session that's so big and free it becomes a JAMBOREE.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A FESTIVAL; A SUCCESSFUL EVENT IS A PARTY.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calques like "джембори". The closest equivalent is "слёт" (especially for Scouts) or "грандиозный праздник/фестиваль".
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'jamborie', 'jamborey', or 'jambory'. Using it for a small, quiet event.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most typical context for the word 'jamboree'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Its origin is uncertain but it was popularised by Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Scout Movement, for large Scout gatherings in the early 20th century.
No, it strongly implies a large, lively, and often organised event. Using it for a small party would be ironic or humorous.
No, it is informal. In formal contexts, words like 'conference', 'assembly', or 'gala' are more appropriate.
Yes, due to the global nature of Scouting, the word 'Jamboree' is used as an official term in many languages for the largest Scout events.
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