jiggle

verb

jig·​gle ˈji-gəl How to pronounce jiggle (audio)
jiggled; jiggling ˈji-g(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce jiggle (audio)

transitive verb

: to cause to move with quick little jerks or oscillating motions

intransitive verb

: to move from or as if from being jiggled
jiggle noun
jiggly adjective

Examples of jiggle in a Sentence

Try to avoid jiggling the camera. His belly jiggled like a bowlful of jelly.
Recent Examples on the Web Bake, on middle rack, until edges are set (center might jiggle slightly), 30 to 35 minutes. Torie Cox, Country Living, 8 Sep. 2023 No matter how well it’s built or solid, vibrations from your movements or anyone with you will jiggle the scope just enough to drive you crazy. Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 14 Jan. 2024 The two began to dance and jiggle and move around with a pep in their step. Vulture, 7 Jan. 2024 Bake, until filling is set around edges (will still jiggle slightly in center), 35 to 40 minutes. Torie Cox, Country Living, 8 Sep. 2023 Invader climbed the ladder, which jiggled like a suspension bridge under his weight. Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2023 Warmer temperatures mean atoms and electrons jiggle more, creating more resistance-inducing collisions as electrons shuttle current through a material. Quanta Magazine, 28 Nov. 2023 Bake cheesecake, and chill: Bake at 350°F until center is set and no longer jiggles when gently shaken, 45 to 55 minutes. John Somerall, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2023 Bake until light golden brown but still jiggles slightly in center, about 30 minutes. Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 19 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'jiggle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

frequentative of jig entry 2

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of jiggle was in 1836

Dictionary Entries Near jiggle

Cite this Entry

“Jiggle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jiggle. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

jiggle

verb
jig·​gle ˈjig-əl How to pronounce jiggle (audio)
jiggled; jiggling -(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce jiggle (audio)
: to move or cause to move with quick little jerks
jiggle noun

More from Merriam-Webster on jiggle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!