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Definition of wriggle

wriggle

/ˈrɪɡ.əl/
wrig · gle
Plural:wriggles
•
Adjective:wriggly
•
Past Simple:wriggled
•
Past Participle:wriggled
•
Present Participle:wriggling
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wriggle Lexical Profile

wriggle Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To twist and turn with quick, short, writhing movements.

Example

"The toddler began to wriggle impatiently in the high chair."

2

To move into, out of, or through a tight space or awkward situation by twisting or using subtle maneuvers.

Example

"He tried to wriggle out of his commitment at the last minute."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for wriggle

• noun

1

A quick twisting, squirming, or turning movement.

Example

"With a quick wriggle of its body, the lizard slipped beneath the garden wall."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for wriggle

• Rhymes for wriggle

• Nearby Words

wretchedly
wretchedness
wrexham
wriggle
wriggly
wright
wring

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from Middle Low German wriggelen ('to twist or turn frequently'), a frequentative form related to Old English wrigian ('to turn, incline, or go forward').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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