jiffy

noun

jif·​fy ˈji-fē How to pronounce jiffy (audio)
plural jiffies
informal
: a very short period of time : moment, instant sense 1
ready in a jiffy
Their troubles were all over in a jiffy.Roald Dahl
A small restaurant offering good Vietnamese food in a jiffy.New Times (Phoenix, Arizona)

Examples of jiffy in a Sentence

I'll be there in a jiffy.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Here, a range of cozy options that ship out in a jiffy via Prime delivery, with the option to tack on a duvet cover separately. Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 7 Dec. 2024 End your relaxed evening by hitting up upscale sports bar Upper Deck Ale & Sports Grill, a popular spot that features a relaxed outdoor bar where fancy (and affordable) martinis are mixed in a jiffy. Miami Staff, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 In fact, come fall, airlines, hotels and credit card companies are eager to woo new business after the summer rush, offering special offers and promotions that can refill your loyalty program account in a jiffy. Ramsey Qubein, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Sep. 2023 Cut up carrots, onions, garlic and more in a jiffy, or use it to make your own salsa or purees for baby. Liz Kadar, Redbook, 6 July 2023 See all Example Sentences for jiffy 

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1779, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jiffy was in 1779

Dictionary Entries Near jiffy

Cite this Entry

“Jiffy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jiffy. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

jiffy

noun
jif·​fy ˈjif-ē How to pronounce jiffy (audio)
plural jiffies
informal
: moment sense 1, instant
in a jiffy

More from Merriam-Webster on jiffy

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