jiggle

Everyday

1. To jiggle means to move quickly up and down or from side to side with small movements. tree →
2. To jiggle something means to shake it lightly, like a key in a stiff lock. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life you jiggle a key to open a sticky lock, jiggle a loose tooth, or jelly jiggles on a plate. In stories a jiggling leg shows someone is nervous or impatient. Phrases: «jiggle the handle», «jiggle a key», «jiggle about».

Examples

• She jiggled the key until the door opened. tree →
• The jelly jiggled on the plate. tree →
• Stop jiggling your leg under the table. tree →
• He jiggled his loose tooth with his tongue. tree →
• Jiggle the handle to make the toilet flush. tree →
• The baby laughed as I jiggled him on my knee. tree →
• The car's mirror jiggled on the bumpy road. tree →
• Give the box a jiggle to see what's inside. tree →

Note

Regular: jiggled, jiggling (drop e). Similar words: wiggle (twist side to side), wobble (rock unsteadily), jiggle (small quick shakes). Adjective: jiggly.