An informal term for a very large passenger aircraft, especially the Boeing 747 (jumbo jet).
example
Unser Flug nach New York war mit einem Jumbo, der fast 400 Passagiere fasste.
Our flight to New York was on a jumbo jet that held almost 400 passengers.
Usage tips
Informal style
The word 'Jumbo' (jumbo) is considered informal in both meanings. In formal or technical texts about aircraft, you would more likely use the exact model name, such as 'Boeing 747'.
EXAMPLE
Wow, schau dir diesen Jumbo-Hamburger an!
Wow, look at this jumbo hamburger!
Context clue
You can always tell from the context whether it means the airplane or simply something large. If people are talking about travel, flying, or airports, it means the airplane. In all other situations, it refers to the impressive size of something.
EXAMPLE
Wir fliegen mit einem Jumbo nach Dubai.
We're flying to Dubai on a jumbo jet.
Typical collocations
When referring to the airplane, typical phrases are 'mit dem Jumbo fliegen' (to fly on a jumbo jet), 'im Jumbo sitzen' (to sit in a jumbo jet), or 'ein Jumbo startet/landet' (a jumbo jet takes off/lands).
EXAMPLE
Es ist ein beeindruckendes Erlebnis, wenn so ein Jumbo direkt über einen hinwegfliegt.
It's an impressive experience when a jumbo jet like that flies directly overhead.
Compare with
antonym
Jumbo vs Zwerg
dwarf
'der Zwerg' and 'der Jumbo' can be used as opposites when you mean very small and very large. 'Zwerg' fits a small fairy-tale figure or, figuratively, something small and weak. 'Jumbo' is informal and means a particularly large person or thing. 'Jumbo' sounds more casual and is often used for things that are unusually large. 'Zwerg' can quickly sound derogatory when used for people.
Jumbo
Für die Feier hat Mehmet eine Jumbo-Packung Chips gekauft.
Mehmet bought a jumbo pack of chips for the party.
Zwerg
Neben den großen Firmen wirkt dieser kleine Laden wie ein Zwerg.
Next to the big companies, this small shop seems like small fry.