jit·ter·bug
ˈji-tər-ˌbəg 
1
: a jazz variation of the two-step in which couples swing, balance, and twirl in standardized patterns and often with vigorous acrobatics
2
: one who dances the jitterbug
jitterbugged; jitterbugging; jitterbugs
1
: to dance the jitterbug
2
: to move around or back and forth with quick often jerky movements especially to confuse or disconcert an opponent in sports
Examples of jitterbug in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Tony Perrottet, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Sep. 2024
Sometimes, Mays would do a conversational jitterbug.
—Mark Purdy, The Mercury News, 18 June 2024
Gloria Steinem, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2024
Linders says the audience for trad jazz can generally be put into three categories: There are swing dancers who are eager to jitterbug to some hot sounds.
—Noah Schaffer, BostonGlobe.com, 21 Aug. 2023
See all Example Sentences for jitterbug 
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
Cheerful propaganda photos showed Hollywood stars like Gary Cooper on morale-boosting visits and smiling American soldiers teaching Aussie girls the jitterbug.
—Tony Perrottet, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Sep. 2024
Sometimes, Mays would do a conversational jitterbug.
—Mark Purdy, The Mercury News, 18 June 2024
Verb
Clifton Daniel, for instance, jitterbugged with an expertise that increased one’s respect for The New York Times.
—Gloria Steinem, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2024
Linders says the audience for trad jazz can generally be put into three categories: There are swing dancers who are eager to jitterbug to some hot sounds.
—Noah Schaffer, BostonGlobe.com, 21 Aug. 2023
See all Example Sentences for jitterbug
Articles Related to jitterbug
Dictionary Entries Near jitterbug
Cite this Entry
“Jitterbug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jitterbug. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share