1 A2 informal
To jump repeatedly in various directions, typically out of excitement or energy.
"The dog jumped about excitedly when it heard the word 'walk'."
jump about
A2 informal intransitive
To jump or move energetically in different directions; to jump repeatedly without a set direction.
In plain English
To keep jumping in lots of different directions.
What does "jump about" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 informal
To change topics or activities rapidly and without order.
"The presenter kept jumping about between different points and lost the audience."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To jump in various directions — transparent.
Actually means
To keep jumping in lots of different directions.
Usage tip
Primarily British English; 'jump around' is the preferred form in American English. Used literally for physical movement and figuratively for changing topics rapidly. Common in children's contexts.
Words that pair with "jump about"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
excitedly happily children puppy stage field
How to conjugate "jump about"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
jump about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
jumps about
he/she/it
Past simple
jumped about
yesterday
Past participle
jumped about
have + pp
-ing form
jumping about
continuous
Hear "jump about" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "jump about" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.