jitterbug

verb

Definition of jitterbugnext
as in to fox-trot

Related Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of jitterbug 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 Franzke, who loved to jitterbug as a kid, served in the Navy from 1943 to 1945, flying Grumman TBF Avenger torpedo bombers off the carrier USS Saginaw Bay in the Pacific. — Meg Jones, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 6 Apr. 2020 Patrons could summon up Ellington for a coin and start jitterbugging. — Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2020 Against these, Davis superimposes the bright, almost jitterbugging mosaic pattern on the mother’s spandex pants. — Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 30 Jan. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jitterbug
  1. fox-trot
  2. waltz
  3. tango
  4. boogie
  5. bop
  6. jig
  7. jive
  8. shag
Verb
  • Alongside pro partner Emma Slater, Richter tangoed, quick-stepped, and fox-trotted all the way to week 9 before being eliminated — just one week shy of the semifinals.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Nov. 2025
Definition of fox-trot
Verb
  • Jey Uso lost to Oba Femi and decided to waltz over to SmackDown to try to get a shot at Zayn’s title.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026
  • Sweden waltzed to a 5-1 victory against Tunisia in its opener, with its forward line of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres capitalizing on some poor defending.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 20 June 2026
Definition of waltz
Verb
  • Eliminating even more discomfort by only having one cord to tango with is a win for me.
    — Carin Ryan, Travel + Leisure, 4 Apr. 2026
  • With technical excellence and dramatic flair, the pair tangoed to one of the loudest crowd receptions of the competition.
    — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 25 Mar. 2026
Definition of tango
Verb
  • Unbothered, Louis smirked at his sister and continued to boogie to the beat.
    — Alicia Brunker, InStyle, 11 June 2026
  • My dad—who always loved to dance—heard the beat and began to boogie his way through the front door.
    — Ashley Parker, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2026
Definition of boogie
Verb
  • Prior and McGuiness, along with bullpen coach Josh Bard, bop around to different pitchers, seeing who wants to throw or if anyone needs a catch partner.
    — Katie Woo, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • Kansas Citians soaked up the sun on Friday night, swing dancing, swaying and bopping along to Sheryl Crow on the FIFA Fan Fest stage.
    — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
Definition of bop
Verb
  • The customers lined the rails, shoulder to shoulder, all jigging in unison to the classic rock that was blasting from the radio.
    — Matthew Every, Outdoor Life, 8 July 2026
  • Targeting inefficiencies in squid jigging Industrial squid fishing typically relies on a method known as jigging.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 20 June 2026
Definition of jig
Verb
  • From electronics to delicate fabrics, natural stone, and more, there are a variety of surfaces and materials that just don’t jive with this household cleaning staple.
    — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 7 July 2026
  • The high school musical romance Grease hand-jived its way into theaters during the summer of 1978.
    — Andrew Walsh, Entertainment Weekly, 8 June 2026
Definition of jive
Verb
  • Ingle has continued to shag fly balls in the outfield during batting practice.
    — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 1 June 2026
  • Pregame batting practice is a relaxed, tranquil time for hitters to get some hacks, outfielders and pitchers to shag fly balls and infielders to take grounders.
    — Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2026
Definition of shag

Browse Nearby Words

jitneys
jitterbug
jitterbugged
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Cite this Entry

“Jitterbug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jitterbug. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on jitterbug

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about jitterbug

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