twerk

[twurk]

verb (used without object)

1. 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)

1. 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

1. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of twerk¹

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 tw(ist) ( def. ) + (j)erk ¹

Example Sentences

At the center of the main stage was Colombian superstar Feid, who united ravers and perreo fanatics alike in a glorious twerk fest.

From Los Angeles Times

People are perched atop the car, as well as those hanging off its side, in an impressive, partially aerial twerk.

From Los Angeles Times

African dancers surround Sammie, while women twerk and men Crip dance in different sections of the dancefloor.

From Salon

Music blasts, and users chat over each other, as a woman turns her camera on to twerk or pose provocatively.

From BBC

Before filming “Anora,” she learned how to twerk.

From Los Angeles Times