jitterbug

jit·ter·bug | \ ˈji-tər-ˌbəg

How to pronounce jitterbug (audio)

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Definition of jitterbug

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

jitterbugged; jitterbugging; jitterbugs

Definition of jitterbug (Entry 2 of 2)

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 The Chargers' jitterbug finished with 58 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries to go along with 96 receiving yards on six catches and two touchdowns. — Jim Ayello, Indianapolis Star, "Insider: Missed tackles, missed kicks cost Colts in 30-24 loss to Chargers," 8 Sep. 2019 The running back unit ascends with the additions of sagacious veteran Frank Gore and multidimensional jitterbug Devin Singletary, a third-round pick from Florida Atlantic. — Andy Benoit, SI.com, "Behind a Re-stocked Offensive Line, Bills’ Ground Game Is Primed to Take Off," 7 Aug. 2019 The dance and vocal arrangements by Peter Howard were especially enjoyable here, as numerous glowing, colorful jitterbugs interfered with the quartet’s journey in an attempt to fatigue them. — Elizabeth Marie Himchak, Pomerado News, "REVIEW: Patio Playhouse presents charming ‘Wizard of Oz’ musical," 17 July 2019 Blues, jazz, spirituals, jitterbug and Rogers & Hammerstein. — Alan Goch, sun-sentinel.com, "Palm Beach central and north county events for July 10-16," 10 July 2019 Andy Blankenbuehler’s Tony Award-winning choreography is inspired by everything from jazz to jitterbug to to hip-hop to ballet. — Mary Carole Mccauley, baltimoresun.com, "Here comes 'Hamilton': What you need know about the musical coming to Baltimore that took over the world," 21 June 2019 In 1945, a celebration at Buff Stadium featured a double header between two Negro league baseball teams, a couple of amateur boxing matches, a jitterbug contest and a track exhibition and speech from Olympic gold medalist Jesse Owens. — J.r. Gonzales, Houston Chronicle, "June 19 marks 154 years of Juneteenth celebrations," 18 June 2019 The event will feature 1950s drive-in style food and dance contests that include the twist and jitterbug. — Steve Sadin, chicagotribune.com, "Patty Turner Center turns back the clock to the 1950s," 12 July 2018 Dancers will compete for prizes in the Stroll, the jitterbug and the twist, according to Kailey Schwartzhoff, the program coordinator at the Patty Turner Center. — Steve Sadin, chicagotribune.com, "Patty Turner Center turns back the clock to the 1950s," 12 July 2018 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Bush caught a screen pass and jitterbugged past a diving tackler and exploded into the open field. — Zach Helfand, latimes.com, "USC-Texas revisited: LenDale White and what happened after fourth-and-two," 13 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'jitterbug.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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The first known use of jitterbug was in 1938

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