jumpy

adjective

ˈjəm-pē 

jumpier; jumpiest

1

: nervous, jittery

2

: characterized by jumps or sudden variations

jumpiness noun

Synonyms of jumpy

• excitable
• nervous
• unstable

Examples of jumpy in a Sentence

trying to calm jumpy passengers

flight attendants had to calm jumpy passengers after the plane hit unexpected turbulence

Recent Examples on the Web

Oil prices are again jumpy, Japan might be selling Treasuries to defend the yen and, at least psychologically, global fiscal imbalances encroach. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2026

As the story moves breathlessly through the neighborhood’s streets and interiors, Kodeih, who also edited the feature, and cinematographer Tony Kopec zero in on a jumpy, kinetic tension between looming catastrophe and potential triumph. — Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026

Second-year edge Que Robinson got too jumpy and leapt offsides to start one of his reps. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 3 Aug. 2026

While the keyboard is also acceptable, the touchpad is very jumpy. — Christopher Null, Wired News, 11 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for jumpy

• bumpy
• dumpy
• grumpy
• lumpy
• stumpy

Kids Definition

jumpy

adjective

ˈjəm-pē 

jumpier; jumpiest

: nervous sense 2a, jittery

after a long restless night, the soldiers were jumpy

jumpiness noun