Jiggle

To move with a quick, jerky motion or to cause something to move in this way; typically implying a slight, rapid, and often irregular shaking or wiggling. It often suggests a playful, restless, or informal action. The degree of movement can vary, from a subtle tremor to a more noticeable wobble. The word can apply to body parts, objects, or even sound (e.g., the jiggle of a loose wire). It conveys a sense of instability, energy, or a minor disturbance.

Jiggle meaning with examples

• The toddler giggled and jiggled her toy car up and down, her small hands making it bounce on the floor. She found endless amusement in this simple, repetitive motion, her eyes sparkling with delight as she explored its limits. The car's small wheels seemed to jiggle slightly with each movement.
• He attempted to start the old motorcycle, but the key jiggled uselessly in the ignition. No matter how he wiggled and jiggled it, nothing happened. The engine stubbornly refused to turn over. Frustration mounted as he repeated the action, eventually abandoning the attempt.
• The elderly woman, holding a teacup, gently jiggled it as she spoke, her hands shaking slightly due to age. It made a faint, almost imperceptible sound. This tremor created a soft ripple across the liquid's surface as she talked. Despite it, she spoke elegantly.
• The phone buzzed, and the sound was followed by the distinct jiggle of the vibrating device. It lay on the table, bouncing lightly with the message alerts. I reached for it, my attention immediately drawn to the device's pulsating notification.