jelly

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/ˈdʒɛli/
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A sweet, semi‑solid fruit spread, an informal term for feeling envy, and a verb meaning to set a liquid into a jelly‑like consistency.
Practice using jelly in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • He was jelly of her new phone.
  • He bought a jar of orange jelly from the market.
  • The crowd was jelly of the celebrity's outfit.
  • They jelly the mixture overnight in the fridge.
  • Kids can get jelly over the newest toys.

Similar words

jealous
thicken
sulky
set
jam
green
preserve
harden
covetous
conserve

Meanings

Fruit spread

noun
food
neutral
A sweet, soft, semi‑solid food made by cooking fruit juice with sugar and a gelling agent.

Examples

  • She spread jelly on her toast for breakfast.
  • The kids loved the strawberry jelly at the picnic.
  • He bought a jar of orange jelly from the market.
  • We used jelly to glaze the cake.
  • The recipe calls for two tablespoons of jelly.
  • She made homemade jelly using fresh berries.
  • The sandwich was filled with raspberry jelly.

Similar words

jam
preserve
gelatin dessert
jello
spread
conserve

Envious (slang)

adjective
everyday
informal
Used informally to describe someone who feels envy or resentment toward another's success or possessions.

Examples

  • He was jelly of her new phone.
  • She felt jelly when her friend got the promotion.
  • Don't be jelly, it's just a game.
  • The crowd was jelly of the celebrity's outfit.
  • Kids can get jelly over the newest toys.
  • He made a jelly comment about her success.
  • She gave a jelly look when he mentioned his vacation.

Similar words

envious
jealous
covetous
resentful
green
sulky

Make into jelly

verb
cooking
neutral
To cause a liquid to set into a jelly‑like consistency, usually by adding a gelling agent.

Examples

  • She jellied the stock to create a clear aspic.
  • He jelly the sauce before serving it.
  • The chef jellied the fruit puree for a modern dessert.
  • They jelly the mixture overnight in the fridge.
  • We need to jelly the broth to make it firm.
  • After adding gelatin, the liquid jellied quickly.
  • The recipe says to jelly the custard before chilling.

Similar words

gel
set
congeal
thicken
solidify
harden

Etymology

From Middle English jelle, from Old French gelée ‘frozen’, from Latin gelātus ‘frozen’.

FAQ

What is jelly?

Jelly is a sweet, semi‑solid spread made from fruit juice, sugar and a gelling agent.

How is jelly made?

Fruit juice is boiled with sugar and pectin or gelatin until it sets into a smooth spread.

Is jelly the same as jam?

No, jelly is clear and made only from juice, while jam contains pieces of fruit.

Can jelly be used as a verb?

Yes, to jelly something means to turn it into a jelly‑like consistency, though the verb is rare.

What does jelly mean in slang?

In informal speech, jelly describes a feeling of envy or jealousy.

Is it appropriate to call someone jelly?

It is acceptable in casual conversation, but avoid it in formal writing.

How long does homemade jelly last?

Stored in a sealed jar, it can keep for several months in a cool pantry.

Can I substitute gelatin for pectin?

Yes, gelatin works as a gelling agent, but it changes the texture slightly.

Why is jelly sometimes called jello?

In the United States the brand name Jell‑O became a generic term for gelatin desserts.

What is the plural of jelly?

The plural form is jellies.

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