jitterbug

1 of 2

noun

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

jitterbug

2 of 2

verb

jitterbugged; jitterbugging; jitterbugs

intransitive verb

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

Noun

Okorie is the best driving guard in the class, a 6-1 jitterbug who manipulates defenders with a tight handle, sudden changes of speed, and an advanced feel for the game. —Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 16 June 2026

Dances Stepping — or bopping or soul walking — morphed out of the jitterbug in the 1930s or 1940s. —Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2026

Verb

Vin Knight is affecting as Leopold Bloom, an anxious outsider in his city, his subconscious, and his leaky body; Scott Shepherd plays multiple roles, but is particularly droll as Blazes Boylan, jitterbugging hornily through Dublin. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2026

Clifton Daniel, for instance, jitterbugged with an expertise that increased one’s respect for The New York Times. —Gloria Steinem, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1938, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1939, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for jitterbug

• antidrug
• mealybug
• multidrug
• chug
• doug
• drug
• dug
• hug
• jug
• lug
• mug
• plug

Kids Definition

jitterbug

noun

jit·​ter·​bug

ˈjit-ər-ˌbəg

1

: a dance in which couples swing, balance, and twirl with lively acrobatics

2

: a person who dances the jitterbug

jitterbug verb