Wiggle: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used to describe small, quick movements back and forth. Commonly used for children, small animals, or objects that move easily.

• The puppy wiggled its tail excitedly.
• She wiggled her fingers to show off her new rings.

Used when someone is uncomfortable or trying to escape. Often suggests a sense of unease or impatience.

• The child squirmed in his seat during the long lecture.
• He tried not to squirm while getting his vaccination.

Describes twisting or turning movements, often to get through a tight space or to free oneself. Commonly used for worms, small animals, or people in tight situations.

• The worm wriggled out of the soil.
• She wriggled through the small opening in the fence.

Describes quick, jerky movements, usually of a loose or soft object. Often used for objects like jelly, keys, or the body.

• He jiggled the key in the lock until it finally opened.
• She jiggled the bowl of jelly to check if it was set.

Wiggle is used for small, quick movements, often implying discomfort, nervousness, or playfulness.

• The worm wiggled on the hook
• The child couldn't sit still and wiggled in his seat

Twist is used for movements where something is turned or rotated, often implying a change in direction or shape.

• He twisted the cap off the bottle
• The road twists and turns through the mountains

Gyrate is used when describing larger, circular or spiral movements, often in a rhythmic or energetic manner.

• The dancers gyrated to the beat of the music
• The washing machine gyrated violently during the spin cycle

Shimmy is commonly used to describe a shaking or vibrating movement, frequently in dance or when something jiggles. It often has a playful or exciting connotation.

• She did a shimmy on the dance floor
• The car shimmied as it sped up