jerkier; jerkiest
1
a
: moving along with or marked by fits and starts
b
: characterized by abrupt transitions
Examples of jerky in a Sentence
Adjective
The movie was jerky and hard to watch.
made jerky progress walking with the new crutches
Recent Examples on the Web
The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
Avoid jerky or panicky movements, and don’t wave for help — movement may attract the drone.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Caleb Crain, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
While many nutrition experts say Americans don’t need more protein, particularly from red and processed meats, MAHA supporters tend to tuck into steaks and beef jerky.
—Sarah Todd, STAT, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for jerky
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Adjective
And some jerky products tout short ingredient lists free of unusual chemicals, fillers and additives.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
Avoid jerky or panicky movements, and don’t wave for help — movement may attract the drone.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
His steps were short, and the movement of his body was jerky, like a hamster’s.
—Caleb Crain, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
While many nutrition experts say Americans don’t need more protein, particularly from red and processed meats, MAHA supporters tend to tuck into steaks and beef jerky.
—Sarah Todd, STAT, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for jerky
Cite this Entry
“Jerky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jerky. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
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