wiggle

1 of 2

verb

wig·​gle ˈwi-gəl 

wiggled; wiggling ˈwi-g(ə-)liŋ 

intransitive verb

1

: to move to and fro with quick jerky or shaking motions : jiggle

2

: to proceed with or as if with twisting and turning movements : wriggle

transitive verb

: to cause to wiggle

wiggle

2 of 2

noun

1

: the act of wiggling

2

: shellfish or fish in cream sauce with peas

wiggly

ˈwi-g(ə-)lē 

adjective

Synonyms of wiggle

Verb

• fidget
• twitch
• squirm
• toss
• jerk
• twist
• fiddle
• wriggle
• jiggle
• writhe

Examples of wiggle in a Sentence

Verb

The puppy wiggled with excitement.

the baby wiggled in her sleep

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The show’s point was for Regis to engage in conversation with the contestant so that the audience at home could wiggle themselves into the brain of the man or woman on the hot seat, step in their shoes, care about their success or failure. —Literary Hub, 21 Nov. 2025

After that failed, with the student wiggling out of the coat and hitting, kicking and trying to bite the teacher, the teacher said, the school security guard returned to the van with tube socks. —Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 14 Nov. 2025

Noun

FanttikRide’s collection of electric wiggle cars and scooters is designed to encourage physical activity and support the development of coordination and confidence through active play. —Jason Phillips, USA Today, 13 Nov. 2025

Dog with a ‘wiggle butt’ has spent nearly 300 days in shelter. —Real-Time News Team, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English wiglen, from or akin to Middle Dutch or Middle Low German wiggelen to totter; akin to Old English wegan to move — more at way

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1816, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing wiggle

• wiggle room

Rhymes for wiggle

• giggle
• jiggle
• wriggle

Kids Definition

wiggle

verb

wig·​gle

ˈwig-əl

wiggled; wiggling

-(ə-)liŋ

1

: to move to and fro with quick jerky or shaking motions : jiggle

wiggled my toes

2

: to move along with twisting and turning movements : wriggle

wiggle noun