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Definition of jerky

jerky

/ˈdʒɜːrki/
jer · ky
Adverb:jerkily
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jerky Lexical Profile

jerky Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Meat that has been trimmed of fat, cut into strips, and dried or smoked to prevent spoilage.

Example

"For our hiking trip, we packed several bags of beef jerky because it is a lightweight, high-protein snack that doesn't require refrigeration."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for jerky

Word Nuance & Usage

The noun form (dried meat) and the adjective form (spasmodic movement) are homonyms with entirely unrelated etymologies, which occasionally makes for humorous wordplay.

• Rhymes for jerky

• Nearby Words

jeongbang
jequitinhonha
jerboa
jerky
jersey
jersey lily
jerusalem

Word Origin & Etymology

The noun is derived from the Quechua word 'ch'arki' (meaning dried meat), which entered English via American Spanish 'charqui' in the mid-19th century. The adjective is derived independently from the English verb 'jerk' combined with the suffix '-y', dating back to the late 16th century.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Jerky. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/jerky
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