twitch
twihch
Twitch (noun) means a small, sudden, often involuntary movement of a muscle. Example: “A nervous twitch appeared in his eye during the interview.”
noun
1
A small, sudden, often involuntary movement of a muscle.
"A nervous twitch appeared in his eye during the interview."
verb
1
To move suddenly and briefly, often without control.
"Her fingers twitched as she waited for the results."
"The dog's ear twitched at the sound of the doorbell."
How to use twitch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small, sudden movement, often one you can't control.
Common mistake
Not to be confused with the video-streaming platform Twitch, which took its name from birdwatchers' slang for spotting a rare bird.
Common pairings
a nervous twitch
twitch involuntarily
muscle twitch
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Word forms
- Plural
- twitches
- Third person singular
- twitches
- Past tense
- twitched
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A nervous _____ appeared in his eye during the interview.
Etymology
From Old English twiċċan, related to "tweak," originally meaning to pinch or pluck sharply.
Related words
Rhymes for twitch
See all rhymes for twitch →Frequently asked questions
What does “twitch” mean?
The word “twitch” means a small, sudden, often involuntary movement of a muscle. In plain terms, a small, sudden movement, often one you can't control.
How do you pronounce “twitch”?
“Twitch” is pronounced twihch (/twɪt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “twitch” in a sentence?
Here is “twitch” used in a sentence: “A nervous twitch appeared in his eye during the interview.”
What part of speech is “twitch”?
Depending on how it is used, “twitch” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “twitch” come from?
The word “twitch” comes from Old English. From Old English twiċċan, related to "tweak," originally meaning to pinch or pluck sharply.
Is “twitch” a common word?
“Twitch” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “twitch” have?
“Twitch” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small, sudden, often involuntary movement of a muscle.
What is the difference between a "twitch" and a "spasm"?
A "twitch" is a small, sudden, often involuntary movement of a muscle, while a "spasm" tends to describe a stronger, more sustained involuntary muscle contraction. Twitches are generally brief and minor by comparison.
Is an eye twitch a cause for concern?
An occasional eye twitch, a small involuntary muscle movement, is usually harmless and often linked to fatigue, stress, or caffeine, though persistent or severe twitching should be discussed with a doctor. This dictionary entry covers the general meaning of the word rather than medical advice.
Can "twitch" be used as both a noun and a verb?
Yes. As a noun, "twitch" names the small involuntary movement itself, and as a verb, it describes the act of moving suddenly and briefly, often without control.
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