Wiggle

/ˈwɪɡəl/

Meaning & Definition

noun
a small, quick movement or a twist.
With a quick wiggle, the worm disappeared into the soil.
a movement that causes something to shake or move slightly.
The wiggle of the toy caught the baby's attention.
verb
to move or cause to move with short, rapid movements from side to side or up and down.
The puppy likes to wiggle its tail when it's excited.
to squirm or twist the body.
She had to wiggle out of the tight space under the table.
to make slight movements in order to adjust or get comfortable.
He wiggled in his chair to find a more comfortable position.

Etymology

Middle English 'wigglen', frequentative of 'wiggen', from Old English 'wiggan' meaning to shake.

Common Phrases and Expressions

wiggle your toes
To move your toes slightly and quickly.
wiggle room
The ability to change decisions or plans to adapt to different circumstances.
do the wiggle
A playful or dance-like movement, often to music.

Related Words

wiggly
Having many small twists and turns.
wiggler
An object or person that wiggles.

Slang Meanings

To dance or move in a playful manner.
She gave a little wiggle on the dance floor.
To flirt in a playful or teasing way.
He gave her a wiggle with his eyebrows.