What is jamboree? Pronunciation and usage in English

jamboree means . Learn how to pronounce and use jamboree through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of jamboree

jamboreenoun

/ˌdʒæmbəˈriː//ˌdʒæmbəˈriː/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "jamboree." It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown of the most common and accepted pronunciations, along with tips:

1. The Most Common American Pronunciation:

  • jam- (like the word "jam" - as in jam on toast)
  • ber-ee (rhymes with "berry")
  • -ry (a very short, unstressed "ry" sound)

So, it sounds like: jam-ber-ee-ry

2. A More British Pronunciation:

  • jam-ber-ee (no "-ry" at the end)

3. Phonetic Spelling (for clarity):

  • /ˌdʒæmˈbɛəri/ (This is a more detailed phonetic representation, if you're interested in really nailing it.)

Tips for Pronouncing It:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable: "jam."
  • "Ber-ee": Focus on making the "ber-ee" part sound like "berry." It's a short, quick sound.
  • Don't over-emphasize the "ry": That final "ry" is very subtle. It's almost like a little tag on the end.

Resources to hear it:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (American, British, or another English-speaking country?) Pronunciations can vary slightly.

Usage and examples with the word jamboree in English

Let's break down how to use the word "jamboree." It's a fun, evocative word with a specific meaning, so it's important to use it correctly.

What does "Jamboree" mean?

At its core, a jamboree is a large, lively gathering – often of a festive or celebratory nature. It's typically associated with outdoor events, parties, or celebrations. However, it’s evolved over time and can have slightly different nuances.

Here’s a breakdown of its usage:

1. Traditional & Historical Usage (Most Common Today):

  • Outdoor Celebrations: This is the most common understanding of the word today. Think of a "county jamboree" – a large agricultural fair with music, dancing, livestock competitions, and demonstrations. These generally involve rural or western themes.
    • Example: “The annual county jamboree featured a pie-eating contest, a tractor pull, and bluegrass music.”
  • Festive Gathering: It can simply refer to a big, cheerful party.
    • Example: “We’re throwing a summer jamboree with games, food, and a bonfire.”

2. Older/More Formal Usage (Less Common Now):

  • Military/Naval Celebrations: Historically, “jamboree” referred to a large military or naval celebration, such as a reunion or a formal ball. This usage is much rarer now.
    • Example (Historical): “The officers held a grand jamboree to commemorate their victory.”

3. Figurative Usage (Less Frequent):

  • A chaotic or disorganized collection: Sometimes, “jamboree” can be used to describe a situation that's messy or overflowing with activity, not necessarily pleasant.
    • Example: "The garage became a complete jamboree of tools, toys, and forgotten projects."

Key Characteristics of a Jamboree:

  • Large Scale: They're generally big events, involving many people.
  • Festive/Energetic: There's a sense of excitement, fun, and celebration.
  • Often Outdoor: Often, but not always, held outdoors.
  • Traditional/Rustic: Frequently linked to rural or western themes (especially in the context of county jamborees).

Here's how to incorporate it into sentences:

  • “Let’s plan a jamboree for the Fourth of July!” (A festive party)
  • “The city held a large jamboree to celebrate its bicentennial.” (A large celebration)
  • “The farm hosted a cattle jamboree where people could admire the animals.” (An agricultural fair)
  • “The campsite turned into a chaotic jamboree after the kids got loose.” (A messy situation)

Resources for More Information:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of its usage?
  • Help you write a sentence using "jamboree"?
  • Explain how it differs from similar words like "festival" or "party"?

Synonyms for the word jamboree

Practice with vocabulary jamboree

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The annual tech startup pitch festival transformed into a boisterous innovation ___________, attracting investors and enthusiasts from around the globe.
  2. Participants are expected to adhere to the strict dress code for the upcoming diplomatic ___________, ensuring a professional atmosphere.
  3. Despite the serious topics discussed, the international youth leadership forum felt more like a vibrant cultural ___________, fostering camaraderie among delegates.
  4. The board's quarterly ___________ is scheduled for Friday, during which key strategic initiatives will be reviewed.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms best describes a large, festive gathering celebrating a particular achievement or theme, often involving many people and a lively atmosphere? a) Seminar b) Symposium c) Jamboree d) Workshop e) Summit

  2. For a highly focused discussion among experts on a specific academic topic, which event format would be most appropriate? a) Festival b) Gala c) Colloquium d) Rally e) Fiesta

  3. The company decided to host a grand event to commemorate its 50th anniversary, envisioning a lively celebration that would bring together employees, partners, and customers for a day of fun and networking. Which term best fits this description? a) Assembly b) Jamboree c) Panel d) Lecture series e) Briefing

  4. Which of these events primarily involves formal presentations, panel discussions, and structured networking sessions for industry professionals? a) Street fair b) Retreat c) Congress d) Carnival e) Block party

  5. The annual gathering of all department heads and executive leadership, known for its mix of strategic planning, team-building activities, and an overall celebratory mood for past successes, could be aptly described as a: a) Debriefing b) Caucus c) Jamboree d) Colloquium e) Summit

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The village's centennial was marked by a large, boisterous public celebration with music, food, and various performances. Rewrite using "jamboree":
  2. Many international students attended the university's orientation event, which was designed to be a fun, welcoming gathering for newcomers. Rewrite using "jamboree":
  3. The leaders of the four major economic powers convened for an urgent high-level meeting to discuss global financial stability. Rewrite NOT using "jamboree":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. jamboree
  2. conference
  3. jamboree
  4. meeting

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Jamboree
  2. c) Colloquium
  3. b) Jamboree
  4. c) Congress
  5. c) Jamboree, e) Summit

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The village's centennial celebration turned into a lively public jamboree with music, food, and various performances.
  2. The university's orientation event for international students was designed as a welcoming jamboree for newcomers.
  3. The leaders of the four major economic powers held an urgent high-level summit to discuss global financial stability.

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