the jitters
plural noun
informal
: a very nervous feeling
I always get (a bad case of) the jitters before I have to give a speech.
Examples of the jitters in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This makes matcha a good option for those who want sustained energy without the jitters often associated with coffee.10
Heart Health
Research shows that green tea consumption is linked to a lower risk of heart disease.
—
Jillian Kubala, Health, 26 Aug. 2025
Shy at first, she’s quickly befriended by Mrs. Burton and is reminded that everyone at school gets the jitters sometimes.
—Ashlee Conour, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025
Frank doesn’t like heights and Neil gets the jitters around big dogs.
—Marah Eakin, Vulture, 26 June 2025
Smooth and spicy with none of the jitters, the Church Hill Chai knocks the espresso martini off its pedestal.
—Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
To avoid getting the jitters or experiencing that dreadful caffeine crash, stick to no more than four cups a day.
—Maria Berentzen, Vogue, 13 June 2025
The Democratic primary victor will likely head into the November general election as a strong favorite, although Trump’s strong performance last year has given the jitters to some Democrats.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 10 June 2025
Many have the jitters, but not Kennedy Thompson, a student from CityDance Conservatory in North Bethesda, Maryland.
—Melanie Stetson Freeman, Christian Science Monitor, 29 May 2025
Wednesday’s market relief in response to Trump’s Truth Social post indicates the President may have quelled some of the jitters of nervous traders but not those of CEOs.
—Time, 10 Apr. 2025
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Jillian Kubala, Health, 26 Aug. 2025
Shy at first, she’s quickly befriended by Mrs. Burton and is reminded that everyone at school gets the jitters sometimes.
—Ashlee Conour, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025
Frank doesn’t like heights and Neil gets the jitters around big dogs.
—Marah Eakin, Vulture, 26 June 2025
Smooth and spicy with none of the jitters, the Church Hill Chai knocks the espresso martini off its pedestal.
—Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
To avoid getting the jitters or experiencing that dreadful caffeine crash, stick to no more than four cups a day.
—Maria Berentzen, Vogue, 13 June 2025
The Democratic primary victor will likely head into the November general election as a strong favorite, although Trump’s strong performance last year has given the jitters to some Democrats.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 10 June 2025
Many have the jitters, but not Kennedy Thompson, a student from CityDance Conservatory in North Bethesda, Maryland.
—Melanie Stetson Freeman, Christian Science Monitor, 29 May 2025
Wednesday’s market relief in response to Trump’s Truth Social post indicates the President may have quelled some of the jitters of nervous traders but not those of CEOs.
—Time, 10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“The jitters.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20jitters. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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