jig
jig Lexical Profile
jig Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A lively dance with leaping movements, traditionally associated with Irish and Scottish folk culture, or the music composed for such a dance.
"The band struck up a lively tune, and the villagers immediately began dancing a traditional jig."
A custom-made tool used to control the location or motion of another tool, or to hold a workpiece firmly in a fixed position during manufacturing and machining.
"The carpenter built a specialized jig to ensure that every wooden leg was cut at the exact same angle."
A type of artificial fishing lure consisting of a lead sinker with a hook molded into it, typically covered by a soft body to attract fish.
"She cast her brightly colored jig into the murky water, hoping to catch a largemouth bass."
• verb
To move up and down or from side to side with a quick, jerky motion.
"He sat anxiously in the waiting room, his knee jigging up and down to an unheard rhythm."
To dance a jig or perform any quick, lively, leaping dance.
"When she heard the fantastic news, she jigged around the living room in pure joy."
To equip a factory, workshop, or manufacturing process with necessary jigs and fixtures.
"The aerospace company had to entirely re-jig its assembly line to accommodate the new fuselage design."
• Rhymes for jig
Word Origin & Etymology
Late 16th century: of unknown origin; possibly related to Old French 'giguer' (to leap or gambol) or Middle High German 'gige' (fiddle).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.