noun
jig
jihg
Jig (noun) means a lively folk dance, or the fast tune written for it, typically in 6/8 time. Example: “The band struck up a jig and the whole room started dancing.”
noun
1
A lively folk dance, or the fast tune written for it, typically in 6/8 time.
"The band struck up a jig and the whole room started dancing."
"She learned to dance an Irish jig as a child."
2
A tool or frame used to hold a workpiece steady and guide a cutting tool in exactly the same way each time.
"The carpenter built a simple jig to cut identical notches in every board."
3
A type of fishing lure with a weighted hook, jerked up and down in the water.
"He tied on a bright jig to try to tempt the bass."
verb
1
To move with quick, bouncing, jerky motions.
"The toddler jigged around impatiently while waiting for lunch."
How to use jig
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMainly a fast folk dance/tune, a workshop tool for repeating identical cuts, or a bouncing fishing lure.
Common mistake
The phrase "the jig is up" (meaning a scheme has been discovered) uses a different, older sense of jig meaning "a trick."
Common pairings
dance a jig
cutting jig
jig and reel
the jig is up
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Word forms
- Plural
- jigs
- Third person singular
- jigs
- Past tense
- jigged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The band struck up a _____ and the whole room started dancing.
Etymology
Origin uncertain; possibly related to an Old French word for a fiddle, since jigs were traditionally fiddle tunes.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “jig” mean?
The word “jig” means a lively folk dance, or the fast tune written for it, typically in 6/8 time. In plain terms, mainly a fast folk dance/tune, a workshop tool for repeating identical cuts, or a bouncing fishing lure.
How do you pronounce “jig”?
“Jig” is pronounced jihg (/d͡ʒɪɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “jig” in a sentence?
Here is “jig” used in a sentence: “The band struck up a jig and the whole room started dancing.”
What part of speech is “jig”?
Depending on how it is used, “jig” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “jig” come from?
The word “jig” comes from Old French. Origin uncertain; possibly related to an Old French word for a fiddle, since jigs were traditionally fiddle tunes.
How many meanings does “jig” have?
“Jig” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a lively folk dance, or the fast tune written for it, typically in 6/8 time.
