jigger

1 of 3

noun (1)

jig·​ger ˈji-gər 

1

: a measure used in mixing drinks that usually holds 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 milliliters)

2

: one that jigs or operates a jig

3

: any of several sails

4

: jig sense 3a

5

a(1)

: a mechanical device usually with a jerky reciprocating motion

(2)

: a mold or a machine incorporating a revolving mold on which ceramic items (such as plates) are formed

b

: gadget, doodad

jigger

2 of 3

verb

jiggered; jiggering; jiggers

intransitive verb

: to jerk up and down

transitive verb

: to alter or rearrange especially by manipulating

jigger an election district

jigger

3 of 3

noun (2)

1

: chigger sense 2

2

or less commonly jigger flea : chigoe sense 1

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• gadget
• tool
• contraption

Examples of jigger in a Sentence

Noun (1)

a kitchen store filled with neat little jiggers that you didn't know you needed

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Unlike reefers, tankers are typically not required to report encounters with squid jiggers. —Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025

These are squid jiggers that have adopted multifunctional roles, providing logistics, operational coordination and limited medical care. —Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025

Verb

The Democratic supermajority in California was just as likely to jigger the maps as the Republicans in North Carolina and Florida. —Stephen Engelberg, ProPublica, 5 Nov. 2024

In addition to the A-10, Congress allowed the Air Force to jigger the B-1 bomber fleet. —Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 8 Dec. 2020

Word History

Etymology

Verb

frequentative of jig entry 2

Noun (2)

perhaps from Wolof jiga insect

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1867, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun (2)

1756, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing jigger

• jigger flea

Rhymes for jigger

• bigger
• digger
• rigger
• rigor
• trigger
• vigor
• gravedigger
• obligor
• outrigger

Kids Definition

jigger

1 of 2 noun

jig·​ger ˈjig-ər 

1

: one that jigs

2

: device sense 1c, gadget

3

: a measure used in mixing drinks that usually holds 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 milliliters)

jigger

2 of 2 noun

: chigger

Etymology

Noun

jig (verb) and -er (noun suffix)

Noun

perhaps from Wolof (an African language) jiga "insect"

Medical Definition

jigger

noun

jig·​ger ˈjig-ər 

: chigger