adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of twitchy
Explanation
Someone who's twitchy is either making quick, unintentionally jerky movements, or is visibly anxious. If you're waiting to hear if you got a part you desperately want in the school play, you may be understandably twitchy. When someone twitches, their muscles are repeatedly contracting and releasing, they are twitchy. Your body may get a little twitchy after vigorous exercise, or your eye might tend to be twitchy when you're tired. People who are agitated or jumpy are also twitchy: "This movie's too suspenseful for me — it's making me twitchy!" Twitchy is from the 12th century to-twic-chen, "to pull apart with a quick jerk," and its Old English root which means "to pluck."
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.
"There are lots of avalanche stories on our social media, so we're just feeling a bit twitchy," admits Bella.
From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026
Investors are twitchy about any sign of weakness in the AI trade and have been for some time.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 12, 2025
When Dave once returned home after a lengthy hospital stay, he was twitchy and exhausted but unable to sleep.
From BBC • Sep. 21, 2025
“I feel twitchy again, you know, I just feel good.”
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 7, 2025
And then the drummer kicks in with a fast twitchy beat.
From "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" by Becky Albertalli
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
