wiggle
4 synonyms for wiggle, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To move with small, quick side-to-side or back-and-forth motions.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To move with small, quick side-to-side or back-and-forth motions.
“The puppy wiggled with excitement when she came home.”
How to use wiggle
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
wiggle your toes
wiggle room
wiggle free
Etymology
From Middle English wiglen, likely borrowed from Middle Dutch wigelen ("to wiggle"), related to words meaning "to rock" like a cradle.
Full origin of wiggle →Frequently asked questions
What does “wiggle” mean?
The word “wiggle” means to move with small, quick side-to-side or back-and-forth motions. In plain terms, to shake or move with small, jerky motions from side to side.
How do you pronounce “wiggle”?
“Wiggle” is pronounced WIH-guhl (/ˈwɪɡəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “wiggle” in a sentence?
Here is “wiggle” used in a sentence: “The puppy wiggled with excitement when she came home.”
What part of speech is “wiggle”?
Depending on how it is used, “wiggle” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “wiggle” come from?
The word “wiggle” comes from Middle English. From Middle English wiglen, likely borrowed from Middle Dutch wigelen ("to wiggle"), related to words meaning "to rock" like a cradle.
Is “wiggle” a common word?
“Wiggle” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “wiggle” have?
“Wiggle” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to move with small, quick side-to-side or back-and-forth motions.
