Jump the broom

Meaning

To marry, especially within African American tradition.

Usage

Describes marriages that honor tradition.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

A wedding custom, with roots debated among Britain, Africa and African American communities, in which the couple jump over a broom.

Documented in the 18th and 19th centuries.