jitters
jitters — noun
1. a strong feeling of nervousness or worry that arises in people ahead of somethin
a strong feeling of nervousness or worry that arises in people ahead of something significant — for example, taking an exam, going to a job interview, or giving a public performance
Nikhil had the jitters before his driving test and could barely hold the wheel steady.
have + the jitters + before + event
The night before her wedding, Lara woke up with the jitters at three.
wake up with the jitters
Waiting for the job interview results gave Kemi the jitters for the entire week.
Xiu gets the jitters whenever she speaks in front of a crowd at work.
- nervousness
the general, neutral term for feeling worried or uneasy about something
- anxiety
a more clinical or sustained feeling of worry, stronger and longer-lasting than 'jitters'
- butterflies (in one's stomach)
an informal idiom describing the same fluttering feeling before an event, more physical than 'jitters'
- stage fright
specifically about performing or speaking in public
文法句型
the jitters
have/get/give someone the jitters
a case of the jitters
用法筆記
The noun 'jitters' is always plural in form but is uncountable in meaning, typically paired with the definite article: 'the jitters'. It is not used as a singular noun ('a jitter'). The expression is common in informal and everyday contexts, though not considered vulgar or slang.
常見錯誤
jitters — verb
- jitterspresent simple I / you / we / they
- jitterses3rd person singular
- jittersing-ing form
- jittersedpast simple
1. to make quick, small, repeated movements in an unsteady or jerky way — used espe
to make quick, small, repeated movements in an unsteady or jerky way — used especially of machines, screens, or mechanical parts that are not working smoothly
The old projector jittered every few seconds, making the film hard to watch.
Otis noticed the cursor jittering across the screen whenever the computer overheated.
be + jittering + across/over + surface (movement pattern)
The washing machine started to jitter during the spin cycle and was turned off.
Mert felt the handlebars jitter as he rode his bicycle over the bumpy road.
文法句型
subject + jitter(s)/jittered/is jittering
jitter + adverb of manner (jitter violently / jitter slightly)
用法筆記
This sense is most common in descriptions of technical or mechanical faults: screens, projectors, camera images, machinery, or vehicle controls. The progressive form ('is jittering', 'was jittering') is used more often than the simple form. For the meaning of a person acting nervously, see sense verb/2.
常見錯誤
❌ 'The cursor was jittering, so I restarted my computer.' (describing a machine) — This is actually correct for sense 1, but be careful not to use it for people's feelings.
2. to move around restlessly because you feel nervous, excited, or impatient — for
to move around restlessly because you feel nervous, excited, or impatient — for example, tapping your foot, shifting in your seat, or checking your phone repeatedly
Jack jittered in his seat during the exam, tapping his foot against the desk.
jitter + in [place] + while [doing]
Megan jittered by the door, checking her phone every few seconds for hospital news.
The children were jittering with excitement as the magician walked onto the brightly lit stage.
Lakan jittered with excitement at the award ceremony, waiting for his name to be called.
- fidget
the more common and general term for making small restless movements; 'fidget' is used more broadly than 'jitter'
- pace
specifically walking back and forth, a stronger and more visible form of restlessness than 'jitter'
- twitch
a sudden, quick, involuntary movement of a body part, which can look similar to jittering
文法句型
subject + jitter(s)/jittered/is jittering
jitter + preposition (with excitement / with nervousness)
jitter + adverb (jitter nervously / jitter impatiently)
用法筆記
The verb 'jitter' (sense 2) describes visible, physical restlessness — fidgeting, pacing, or small repeated movements — that signals an emotional state. It is informal and less common than 'fidget' or 'pace'. The progressive form ('he was jittering') is more natural than the simple form ('he jittered'). Distinguish from sense verb/1 (mechanical shaking) by checking whether the subject is a person or a machine.