jigger

1 of 3

noun (1)

jig·​ger ˈji-gər How to pronounce jigger (audio)
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
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

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
2
or less commonly jigger flea : chigoe sense 1

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
My jigger holds 1 ½ ounces in the large end and ¾ ounce in the small end. Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 5 Nov. 2024 The mug design is crafted on a jigger with the handle molded separately and applied by hand for a seamless appearance and lasting durability. The Courier-Journal, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
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 See all Example Sentences for jigger 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of jigger was in 1675

Dictionary Entries Near jigger

Cite this Entry

“Jigger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jigger. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

jigger

1 of 2 noun
jig·​ger ˈjig-ər How to pronounce jigger (audio)
1
: one that jigs
2
3
: a measure used in mixing drinks that usually holds 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 milliliters)

jigger

2 of 2 noun
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 How to pronounce jigger (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on jigger

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