jiggle

[jig-uhl]

verb (used with or without object)

jiggled, jiggling 

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

Other Word Forms

• jiggler noun
• jiggly adjective

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

Heather said she saw the men's squad asked to jump up and down topless, and "if any of their body parts jiggled, they needed to lose it".

Read more on BBC

Yes, my audience giggled dutifully at the jiggling Jell-O salads and drooled over the groovy conversation pits in the Richards’ living room, the only super lair I’d ever live in.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

I’ve spent entire evenings Googling ranch dressing varietals, decoding the semiotics of suburban chain restaurant menus, pondering the subtle thrill of foods that jiggle.

Read more on Salon

“My jiggles…. The laughter was endless, our talks were special, your energy was contagious,” said Michelle Visage, who posted a photo with the late star.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Drag Race judge Michelle Visage said: "My jiggles…. The laughter was endless, our talks were special, your energy was contagious. You were and remain so very loved."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• fidget 
• shimmy 
• twitch 
• wiggle