wiggle

1 of 2

verb

wig·​gle ˈwi-gəl 

wiggled; wiggling ˈwi-g(ə-)liŋ 

intransitive verb

1

: to move to and fro with quick jerky or shaking motions : jiggle

2

: to proceed with or as if with twisting and turning movements : wriggle

transitive verb

: to cause to wiggle

wiggle

2 of 2

noun

1

: the act of wiggling

2

: shellfish or fish in cream sauce with peas

wiggly

ˈwi-g(ə-)lē 

adjective

Synonyms

Verb

• fiddle
• fidget
• jerk
• jig
• jiggle
• squiggle
• squirm
• thrash
• thresh
• toss
• twist
• twitch
• wriggle
• writhe

Examples of wiggle in a Sentence

Verb

The puppy wiggled with excitement.

the baby wiggled in her sleep

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

To the contrary, global warming is tied to a numerical coincidence involving two different ways that CO2 can wiggle. —Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 7 Aug. 2024

Miller then loaded the bases in the inning with nobody out before wiggling out of the jam when Alek Thomas struck out, Geraldo Perdomo popped up and Corbin Carroll ground out to keep the score tied. —Doug Padilla, Orange County Register, 2 July 2024

Noun

And Hepp believes there’s still some possibility of choppiness in inflation readings that feeds into wiggles in rates. —Andrea Riquier, USA TODAY, 14 Sep. 2024

Few activities get out the wiggles and get the heart pumping more effectively (or enjoyably) than jumping. —Catherine Holecko, Parents, 30 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English wiglen, from or akin to Middle Dutch or Middle Low German wiggelen to totter; akin to Old English wegan to move — more at way

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1816, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing wiggle

• wiggle room

Kids Definition

wiggle

verb

wig·​gle

ˈwig-əl

wiggled; wiggling

-(ə-)liŋ

1

: to move to and fro with quick jerky or shaking motions : jiggle

wiggled my toes

2

: to move along with twisting and turning movements : wriggle

wiggle noun