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

The third continued in kind with “selfie,” “swagger,” and “twerk.”

From The Daily Beast

Ever wonder how words like "twerk" and "baller" find themselves falling awkwardly from the mouths of morning show hosts?

From The Daily Beast

“Selfie” and “twerk,” unsurprisingly, appeared on the most recent list of about 13 words or phrases.

From The Daily Beast

Right to say anything, or in the case of Miley Cyrus, sing anything (and twerk anywhere).

From The Daily Beast

Not content to twerk all over your Hannah Montana memories, Cyrus is dirtying another aspect of your childhood: pumpkin carving.

From 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.

From Project Gutenberg