jelly

Everyday

1. (UK, Australia, NZ, Ireland) A sweet, wobbly dessert made from fruit juice and gelatine, set in a mould. tree →
2. (US, Canada) A sweet spread made from fruit juice and sugar, for bread, like jam but clear: «peanut butter and jelly». tree →
3. Any soft, wobbly substance. tree →
4. (informal) A jellyfish. tree →
5. (legs like jelly) Weak, shaky legs from fear or tiredness. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and parties: jelly and ice cream (UK/Australia), PB&J sandwiches (USA). In science: jelly is a gel — a liquid trapped in a soft solid; setting jelly in the fridge shows a change of state. Phrases: «jelly and ice cream», «peanut butter and jelly», «legs turned to jelly», «jelly beans».

Examples

• We had jelly and ice cream at the party. tree →
• I'd like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. tree →
• The red jelly wobbled on the plate. tree →
• My legs turned to jelly when I went on stage. tree →
• Put the jelly in the fridge to set. tree →
• I love the green jelly beans. tree →
• A jelly stung me at the beach! tree →

Note

Plural: jellies. Big trap between countries: British «jelly» = American «Jell-O» (a brand name) or «gelatin dessert»; American «jelly» = a clear jam. Usually uncountable for the food («some jelly»), countable for portions or types.