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