jumpy

1 of 2

adjective

ˈjəm-pē 

jumpier; jumpiest

1

: nervous, jittery

2

: characterized by jumps or sudden variations

jumpiness noun

jumpiness

2 of 2

noun

jump·​i·​ness

ˈjəmpēnə̇s, 

-pin-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being jumpy : nervousness

was better able to master his jumpiness

—C. S. Forester

Synonyms of jumpy

Adjective

• excitable
• nervous
• unstable

Examples of jumpy in a Sentence

Adjective

trying to calm jumpy passengers

flight attendants had to calm jumpy passengers after the plane hit unexpected turbulence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The hair metal craze was off to a very jumpy and problematic start. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 15 Sep. 2026

Oil prices are again jumpy, Japan might be selling Treasuries to defend the yen and, at least psychologically, global fiscal imbalances encroach. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2026

As the story moves breathlessly through the neighborhood’s streets and interiors, Kodeih, who also edited the feature, and cinematographer Tony Kopec zero in on a jumpy, kinetic tension between looming catastrophe and potential triumph. — Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026

Second-year edge Que Robinson got too jumpy and leapt offsides to start one of his reps. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 3 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1869, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for jumpy

• bumpy
• dumpy
• grumpy
• lumpy
• stumpy

Kids Definition

jumpy

adjective

ˈjəm-pē 

jumpier; jumpiest

: nervous sense 2a, jittery

after a long restless night, the soldiers were jumpy

jumpiness noun