jack-in-the-box
Pop-up toy
A jack-in-the-box is a children's toy consisting of a box with a spring-loaded figure inside that pops up when the lid is opened, typically activated by turning a crank that plays music.
The surprise element makes it both delightful and slightly startling to young children.
By extension, jack-in-the-box describes anything or anyone that appears suddenly and unexpectedly: He kept popping up like a jack-in-the-box during the meeting.
Appearing suddenly, briefly
- crankRotary operating handle
- springRecoiling metal spiral
- wind-upFinal part or end
- clownComedic performer in makeup
jester · lid · box · handle · puppet · novelty · plaything · figurine
Powered by compressed coil
- crankRotary operating handle
- coilWound circular arrangement
- wind-upFinal part or end
- gearsToothed rotating machine parts
lever · cam · latch · release · tension · hinge · compression · trigger
Fizzy drink, regionally
- startleFrighten suddenly
- unexpectedNot anticipated beforehand
- joltAbrupt forceful shake
- anticipationState of awaiting something
suspense · timing · reveal · suddenness · flinch · jump · shock · unpredictable
Pleasing sequence of notes
- jingleBrief advertising melody
- tuneMusical sequence of notes
- chimeMelodic bell sound
- tinklingLight ringing sound
music box · nursery rhyme · plinking · crank · tempo · anticipation · refrain · familiar
Room for infants
- toddlerChild learning to walk
- playroomChildren's recreation area
- innocenceFreedom from wrongdoing
- wonderAmazement or curiosity
giggle · peek-a-boo · bedtime · lullaby · storybook · imagination · play · discovery
Returning to visibility
- unpredictabilityState resisting forecasts
- popping upAppearing suddenly, unexpectedly
- recurringHappening repeatedly over time
- resurfacingComing up again
pop-up
Appearing suddenly, briefly
clown · jester · lid · box · handle · puppet · novelty · plaything · figurine · tumbler
spring-loaded
Powered by compressed coil
gears · lever · cam · latch · release · tension · hinge · compression · trigger · mechanism
pop
Fizzy drink, regionally
- startleFrighten suddenly
- unexpectedNot anticipated beforehand
- joltAbrupt forceful shake
anticipation · suspense · timing · reveal · suddenness · flinch · jump · shock · unpredictable · buildup
melody
Pleasing sequence of notes
tinkling · music box · nursery rhyme · plinking · crank · tempo · anticipation · refrain · familiar · recognizable
nursery
Room for infants
wonder · giggle · peek-a-boo · bedtime · lullaby · storybook · imagination · play · discovery · fascination
reemergence
Returning to visibility
- unpredictabilityState resisting forecasts
- popping upAppearing suddenly, unexpectedly
- recurringHappening repeatedly over time
resurfacing · bouncing back · persistent · uncontainable · irrepressible
- mechanical toysautomaton, tin toy, spring toy, animated figure, cymbal monkey
- pop-up toyspop-up book, spring snake
- Toylanddolls, blocks, trains, teddy bears, puzzles
- toysteddy bear, doll, dolls, stuffed animal, puzzles
- childhood motifsteddy bear, balloon, lollipop, rocking horse, crayon
- toddler toysblocks, building blocks, stacking rings, stacking cups, shape sorter
jack-in-the-boxmusic box
Mechanism playing melodies mechanically
metronome · hourglass · grandfather clock · cuckoo clock · wind-up toy
jack-in-the-boxstuffed animal
Soft toy with filling
teddy bear · rag doll · marionette · puppet · action figure
jack, hijack, jacks, hijacker, hijacking, jacked, lumberjack, jacking, carjacking