noun
jitterbug
JIH-tuh-buhg
Jitterbug (noun) means a lively swing dance from the 1930s and 40s, built on a two-step pattern with energetic, sometimes acrobatic moves. Example: “The couple won the contest with a fast, flashy jitterbug.”
noun
1
A lively swing dance from the 1930s and 40s, built on a two-step pattern with energetic, sometimes acrobatic moves.
"The couple won the contest with a fast, flashy jitterbug."
"Old newsreels show soldiers jitterbugging at USO dances."
2
A person who is nervous or restless.
"He was a real jitterbug before his first flight."
verb
1
To dance the jitterbug.
"They jitterbugged across the floor to the big band music."
How to use jitterbug
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA fast, energetic swing dance from the swing-music era — or, informally, a jittery person.
Common pairings
dance the jitterbug
jitterbug contest
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like jitterbug.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- jitterbugs
- Third person singular
- jitterbugs
- Past tense
- jitterbugged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The couple won the contest with a fast, flashy _____.
Etymology
From jitter + bug, popularized by Cab Calloway's 1934 song "Jitter Bug."
Class of 1934
jitterbug joined the language around 1934.
See the full Class of 1934 →
Synonyms
View more →
nervous wreck
worrywart
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “jitterbug” mean?
The word “jitterbug” means a lively swing dance from the 1930s and 40s, built on a two-step pattern with energetic, sometimes acrobatic moves. In plain terms, a fast, energetic swing dance from the swing-music era — or, informally, a jittery person.
How do you pronounce “jitterbug”?
“Jitterbug” is pronounced JIH-tuh-buhg (/ˈd͡ʒɪtə(ɹ)bʌɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “jitterbug” in a sentence?
Here is “jitterbug” used in a sentence: “The couple won the contest with a fast, flashy jitterbug.”
What is another word for “jitterbug”?
Words with a similar meaning to “jitterbug” include nervous wreck and worrywart.
What part of speech is “jitterbug”?
Depending on how it is used, “jitterbug” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “jitterbug” come from?
The word “jitterbug” dates back to around 1934. From jitter + bug, popularized by Cab Calloway's 1934 song "Jitter Bug.".
How many meanings does “jitterbug” have?
“Jitterbug” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a lively swing dance from the 1930s and 40s, built on a two-step pattern with energetic, sometimes acrobatic moves.
