jiggle

verb

jig·​gle ˈji-gəl 

jiggled; jiggling ˈji-g(ə-)liŋ 

transitive verb

: to cause to move with quick little jerks or oscillating motions

intransitive verb

: to move from or as if from being jiggled

jiggle noun

jiggly

ˈji-g(ə-)lē 

adjective

Synonyms

• agitate
• bucket
• convulse
• jerk
• joggle
• jolt
• jounce
• judder [chiefly British]
• quake
• quiver
• shake
• shudder
• vibrate
• wobble
• wabble

Examples of jiggle in a Sentence

Try to avoid jiggling the camera.

His belly jiggled like a bowlful of jelly.

Recent Examples on the Web

To get started, just press and hold a blank space on your home screen until the apps start to jiggle. —Brian Barrett, WIRED, 10 Oct. 2020

To let Apple handle the selection process for you, go ahead and make your apps jiggle, hit the plus sign in the upper left corner, and tap Smart Stack. —Brian Barrett, WIRED, 10 Oct. 2020

The best way to test your pumpkin pie for doneness is to gently jiggle the pan; if the center is quite wobbly, the pie needs more time. —Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 24 Oct. 2024

The Lego conceit proves an ideal format for visually embodying these tunes, as bouncing abstract creations spring and jiggle to musical life. —Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

frequentative of jig entry 2

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

jiggle

verb

jig·​gle ˈjig-əl 

jiggled; jiggling -(ə-)liŋ 

: to move or cause to move with quick little jerks

jiggle noun