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Definition of jiffy

jiffy

/ˈdʒɪf.i/
jif · fy
Plural:jiffies
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jiffy Lexical Profile

jiffy Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A very short period of time; a moment or instant (used chiefly in the phrase 'in a jiffy').

Example

"Wait right here by the front desk, and I will have your documents ready in a jiffy."

2

Any of several specific brief durations of time used in physics, electronics, and computing, such as the time it takes light to travel a specified short distance or the interval between system clock ticks.

Example

"The operating system kernel measures process execution intervals in jiffies based on the hardware timer interrupt."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for jiffy

• Nearby Words

jibe
jicama
jiff
jiffy
jig
jigger
jiggle

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in late 18th-century British thieves' slang meaning 'lightning', though its ultimate origin remains uncertain. In the 20th century, scientists adopted the colloquial term to name various tiny units of time.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Jiffy. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/jiffy
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