jigger

1 of 3

noun (1)

jig·​ger ˈji-gər How to pronounce jigger (audio)
1
: a measure used in mixing drinks that usually holds 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 milliliters)
2
: one that jigs or operates a jig
3
: any of several sails
4
5
a(1)
: a mechanical device usually with a jerky reciprocating motion
(2)
: a mold or a machine incorporating a revolving mold on which ceramic items (such as plates) are formed
b

jigger

2 of 3

verb

jiggered; jiggering; jiggers

intransitive verb

: to jerk up and down

transitive verb

: to alter or rearrange especially by manipulating
jigger an election district

jigger

3 of 3

noun (2)

1
2
or less commonly jigger flea : chigoe sense 1

Examples of jigger in a Sentence

Noun (1) a kitchen store filled with neat little jiggers that you didn't know you needed
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
As a measurement jigger usually means the large end. Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 5 Nov. 2024 My jigger holds 1 ½ ounces in the large end and ¾ ounce in the small end. Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
The Democratic supermajority in California was just as likely to jigger the maps as the Republicans in North Carolina and Florida. Stephen Engelberg, ProPublica, 5 Nov. 2024 In addition to the A-10, Congress allowed the Air Force to jigger the B-1 bomber fleet. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 8 Dec. 2020 See all Example Sentences for jigger 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

frequentative of jig entry 2

Noun (2)

perhaps from Wolof jiga insect

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1867, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun (2)

1756, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of jigger was in 1675

Dictionary Entries Near jigger

Cite this Entry

“Jigger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jigger. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

jigger

1 of 2 noun
jig·​ger ˈjig-ər How to pronounce jigger (audio)
1
: one that jigs
2
3
: a measure used in mixing drinks that usually holds 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 milliliters)

jigger

2 of 2 noun
Etymology

Noun

jig (verb) and -er (noun suffix)

Noun

perhaps from Wolof (an African language) jiga "insect"

Medical Definition

jigger

noun
jig·​ger ˈjig-ər How to pronounce jigger (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on jigger

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