jitterbug

1 of 2

noun

jit·​ter·​bug ˈji-tər-ˌbəg How to pronounce jitterbug (audio)
1
: a jazz variation of the two-step in which couples swing, balance, and twirl in standardized patterns and often with vigorous acrobatics
2
: one who dances the jitterbug

jitterbug

2 of 2

verb

jitterbugged; jitterbugging; jitterbugs

intransitive verb

1
: to dance the jitterbug
2
: to move around or back and forth with quick often jerky movements especially to confuse or disconcert an opponent in sports

Examples of jitterbug in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
There’s the famous final shot of Stroszek, in which a chicken jitterbugs to a rousing blues track. Mark O’Connell, The New York Review of Books, 24 Nov. 2022 Morrison’s cover envisions rock-and-roll ecstasy through a jitterbug dance that evokes Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers (a great dance troupe whose miraculous, whip-cracking movements were captured in the movies A Day at the Races and Hellzapoppin’). Armond White, National Review, 10 Nov. 2023 Two more promising productions jitterbug you back to the Harlem Renaissance; and just before Halloween, take in a smashing (literally) stage version of one of Stephen King’s most frightening tales of modern horror. oregonlive, 5 Sep. 2023 In the Tigers’ huddle, coach Norm Stewart’s plan was to disrupt the jitterbug point guard. Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2023 The studio tailored lessons for students ages 30 to 90 and offered classes on dances not taught in American-style studios, such as the Taiwanese jitterbug. Joanna Slater, Washington Post, 24 Jan. 2023 How about switching onto a jitterbug of a point guard? Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2023 The town's alternate life, finally in Mr. Potter's clutches, is literally called Pottersville, which frankly looks hopping with its jitterbug-friendly bars. Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2021 Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw eight first-quarter passes to Tyreek Hill, a confounding All-Pro jitterbug who creates nightmares for all defenders. Mark Craig, Star Tribune, 5 Feb. 2021
Verb
Clifton Daniel, for instance, jitterbugged with an expertise that increased one’s respect for The New York Times. Gloria Steinem, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2024 Linders says the audience for trad jazz can generally be put into three categories: There are swing dancers who are eager to jitterbug to some hot sounds. Noah Schaffer, BostonGlobe.com, 21 Aug. 2023 Sanders had an uncanny ability to spin out of, cut back on or jitterbug his way through defenses, and while much of it was an innate trait few running backs in the history of football could match, Rivers said Sanders’ real secret was his ability to analyze defenses. Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press, 4 Mar. 2022 Patrons could summon up Ellington for a coin and start jitterbugging. Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2020 Franzke, who loved to jitterbug as a kid, served in the Navy from 1943 to 1945, flying Grumman TBF Avenger torpedo bombers off the carrier USS Saginaw Bay in the Pacific. Meg Jones, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 6 Apr. 2020 Patti jitterbugging to a Les Paul and Mary Ford record. Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2020 Against these, Davis superimposes the bright, almost jitterbugging mosaic pattern on the mother’s spandex pants. Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 30 Jan. 2020 Bush caught a screen pass and jitterbugged past a diving tackler and exploded into the open field. Zach Helfand, latimes.com, 13 Sep. 2017

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

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1938, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1939, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of jitterbug was in 1938

Dictionary Entries Near jitterbug

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

jitterbug

noun
jit·​ter·​bug
ˈjit-ər-ˌbəg
1
: a dance in which couples swing, balance, and twirl with lively acrobatics
2
: a person who dances the jitterbug
jitterbug verb

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