twerk

[ twurk ]

verb (used without object)

to dance by thrusting or shaking the buttocks and hips while in a squatting or bent-over position, often to music originating in African American and Caribbean culture.

verb (used with object)

to thrust or shake (the buttocks or hips) while in a squatting or bent-over position as part of a dance often done to music originating in African American and Caribbean culture.

noun

a dance or dance move involving thrusting or shaking the buttocks and hips while squatting or bent over, often done to music originating in African American and Caribbean culture.

Origin of twerk

An Americanism first recorded in 1990–95; possibly an alteration of work, as in work it “to show off one's body through movement or posing”; may be related to the earlier (1820–30) sense “a twisting or jerking movement,” from twist + jerk¹

Words Nearby twerk

How to use twerk in a sentence

The third continued in kind with “selfie,” “swagger,” and “twerk.”
Feminist, Bae, Turnt: Time’s ‘Worst Words’ List Is Sexist and Racist | Samantha Allen | November 13, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Ever wonder how words like "twerk" and "baller" find themselves falling awkwardly from the mouths of morning show hosts?
How Does Slang Become Slang? | The Daily Beast Video | November 12, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
“Selfie” and “twerk,” unsurprisingly, appeared on the most recent list of about 13 words or phrases.
Peyton Manning and Tom Brady Don’t Control Their Own Legacies | Evin Demirel | January 18, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Right to say anything, or in the case of Miley Cyrus, sing anything (and twerk anywhere).
Sarah Silverman’s Unsolicited Therapy Session for Girls | Abby Haglage | November 22, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
Not content to twerk all over your Hannah Montana memories, Cyrus is dirtying another aspect of your childhood: pumpkin carving.
Chris Brown Enters Rehab, Miley Cyrus Carves Racy Pumpkins | Culture Team | October 30, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST

"I hardly realize it yet that you are my really truly coz," and she gave the girl's long, brown braids a familiar twerk.
The Girl Scouts at Sea Crest | Lillian Garis

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