jitters
jitters Lexical Profile
jitters Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Feelings of extreme nervousness, uneasiness, or anxious fidgeting, typically experienced before an important event (usually preceded by "the").
"The young pianist experienced a sudden case of the jitters just moments before walking out onto the stage."
Slight, irregular fluctuations or rapid variations in an electrical signal, display image, or mechanical movement.
"The network engineer ran diagnostics to eliminate the timing jitters that were degrading the video stream."
• verb
To act nervously, fidget, or tremble with anxiety (third-person singular simple present of jitter).
"He always jitters and paces around the room while waiting for exam results."
To make rapid, slight, irregular movements or fluctuations (especially of an electronic signal, image, or mechanical part).
"The cursor on the monitor jitters whenever the wireless mouse battery is running low."
Word Nuance & Usage
When referring to a state of nervousness or anxiety, "jitters" is a plural tantum noun that is almost always preceded by the definite article "the" (e.g., "having the jitters").
• Rhymes for jitters
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in early 20th-century American slang, likely of imitative or expressive origin suggesting rapid, shaky movement, and possibly influenced by "chitter" (to shiver or tremble).