Word
jiggle
Meanings
to move or shake with small quick movements
to make something move with small quick movements by shaking it
a small quick shaking movement
Definition
To jiggle means to shake or move with small quick motions.
To jiggle is to move something slightly up and down or from side to side in quick, small movements. It can happen by accident when something is loose, or you can do it on purpose to make something fit or work. The word is often used for gentle shaking rather than strong movement.
Examples
- The table will jiggle if you lean on it.
- She had to jiggle the key to open the old lock.
- Try to jiggle the cable and see if the sound comes back.
- The baby made the toy jiggle with one hand.
- Don’t jiggle the camera while you’re recording.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse jiggle with wiggle; jiggle usually suggests quick shaking, while wiggle often suggests bending or side-to-side movement.
More verbs
- analyze To examine something carefully in order to understand it or explain it.
- scrutinize To scrutinize something is to examine it very carefully and in detail.
- affect To affect something is to influence it or cause it to change.
- allude To allude means to mention or suggest something indirectly without saying it clearly.
- elude To elude someone or something is to avoid being caught, understood, or remembered.