SKIP TO CONTENT

twitchy

/ˈtwɪtʃi/
IPA guide

Other forms: twitchier; twitchiest

Someone who's twitchy is either making quick, unintentionally jerky movements, or is visibly anxious. If you're waiting to hear if you got a part you desperately want in the school play, you may be understandably twitchy.

When someone twitches, their muscles are repeatedly contracting and releasing, they are twitchy. Your body may get a little twitchy after vigorous exercise, or your eye might tend to be twitchy when you're tired. People who are agitated or jumpy are also twitchy: "This movie's too suspenseful for me — it's making me twitchy!" Twitchy is from the 12th century to-twic-chen, "to pull apart with a quick jerk," and its Old English root which means "to pluck."

Definitions of twitchy
  1. adjective
    marked by uncontrolled, short, jerky movements
  2. adjective
    nervous and unable to relax
    synonyms: antsy, fidgety, fretful, itchy
    tense
    in or of a state of physical or nervous tension
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘twitchy'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family