shimmy
noun
an American ragtime dance marked by shaking of the hips and shoulders.
shimmying
-
present participleof shimmy.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Passengers were shimmying in practically every nook and cranny in the auditorium.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 3, 2026
Creating stronger flexibility, groundedness and rank body odor, shimmying around in 105 degree heat is having a wild, wild wellness moment.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 1, 2026
Because this is a low-key charity gig, the staging and lighting are minimal; but the star makes the room shrink, shimmying around in a jade green ballgown with irrepressible energy.
From BBC ● Feb. 27, 2026
Around her, dancers of all ages shook their hips to Arabic music, shimmying barefoot as a woman with a neck tattoo played the derbake, a traditional drum.
From Barron's ● Nov. 10, 2025
Father said, “What were you doing shimmying up that tree in the first place, Ruth May?”
From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver
