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Definition of jittery

jittery

/ˈdʒɪt.ɚ.i/
jit · ter · y
Adverb:jitterily
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jittery Lexical Profile

jittery Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Feeling or showing extreme nervousness, anxiety, or restlessness; unable to relax.

Example

"Drinking three cups of strong espresso before the presentation left him feeling jittery and on edge."

2

Characterized by rapid, jerky, or irregular movements, fluctuations, or vibrations.

Example

"The amateur filmmaker used a handheld camera that produced jittery footage throughout the chase scene."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for jittery

• Nearby Words

jitterbug
jitteriness
jitters
jittery
jive
jizz
joanna

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in American English in the 1920s, derived from the noun 'jitters' (likely of imitative or expressive origin) plus the adjectival suffix '-y'.

Cite this Entry

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