jigger

1 of 3

noun (1)

jig·​ger ˈji-gər 

1

: a measure used in mixing drinks that usually holds 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 milliliters)

2

: one that jigs or operates a jig

3

: any of several sails

4

: jig sense 3a

5

a(1)

: a mechanical device usually with a jerky reciprocating motion

(2)

: a mold or a machine incorporating a revolving mold on which ceramic items (such as plates) are formed

b

: gadget, doodad

jigger

2 of 3

verb

jiggered; jiggering; jiggers

intransitive verb

: to jerk up and down

transitive verb

: to alter or rearrange especially by manipulating

jigger an election district

jigger

3 of 3

noun (2)

1

: chigger sense 2

2

or less commonly jigger flea : chigoe sense 1

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• appliance
• contraption
• contrivance
• gadget
• gimmick
• gizmo
• gismo
• widget

Examples of jigger in a Sentence

Noun (1)

a kitchen store filled with neat little jiggers that you didn't know you needed

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

As a measurement jigger usually means the large end. —Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 5 Nov. 2024

My jigger holds 1 ½ ounces in the large end and ¾ ounce in the small end. —Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 5 Nov. 2024

Verb

The Democratic supermajority in California was just as likely to jigger the maps as the Republicans in North Carolina and Florida. —Stephen Engelberg, ProPublica, 5 Nov. 2024

In addition to the A-10, Congress allowed the Air Force to jigger the B-1 bomber fleet. —Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 8 Dec. 2020

Word History

Etymology

Verb

frequentative of jig entry 2

Noun (2)

perhaps from Wolof jiga insect

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1867, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun (2)

1756, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing jigger

• jigger flea

Kids Definition

jigger

1 of 2 noun

jig·​ger ˈjig-ər 

1

: one that jigs

2

: device sense 1c, gadget

3

: a measure used in mixing drinks that usually holds 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 milliliters)

jigger

2 of 2 noun

: chigger

Etymology

Noun

jig (verb) and -er (noun suffix)

Noun

perhaps from Wolof (an African language) jiga "insect"

Medical Definition

jigger

noun

jig·​ger ˈjig-ər 

: chigger