jiggle

[ jig-uhl ]

verb (used with or without object)

, jig·gled, jig·gling.

1. to move up and down or to and fro with short, quick jerks.

noun

1. a jiggling movement.

jiggle

/ ˈdʒɪɡəl /

verb

1. to move or cause to move up and down or to and fro with a short jerky motion

   to jiggle the door handle

noun

1. a short jerky motion

Derived Forms

• ˈjiggly, adjective

Other Words From

• jiggler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of jiggle¹

First recorded in 1835–40; jig ² + -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of jiggle¹

C19: frequentative of jig ; compare joggle

Example Sentences

The Lego conceit proves an ideal format for visually embodying these tunes, as bouncing abstract creations spring and jiggle to musical life.

From Los Angeles Times

He is dealing with all those problematic emotional issues we gals wrestle with once we get our hair curlers out and put on our makeup and our six-inch heels so our fannies jiggle just right when we walk.

From Salon

Open, and prone to slightly jiggle as I stood 230 feet above the Capilano River, surrounded by tall trees and mist.

From Los Angeles Times

Open, and prone to slightly jiggle as I stood 230 feet above the Capilano River, surrounded by tall trees and mist.

From Los Angeles Times

I jiggle the handle of the front door, but it’s locked.

From Literature

Related Words

• fidget
• shimmy
• twitch
• wiggle