jumpier; jumpiest
1
2
: characterized by jumps or sudden variations
jumpiness noun

Examples of jumpy in a Sentence

trying to calm jumpy passengers flight attendants had to calm jumpy passengers after the plane hit unexpected turbulence
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Edward is awkward, jumpy, prone to going through life as though anticipating a blow that’s yet to come. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2024 The jumpy turbo means that losing traction off-road is a problem, and towing can be an issue if the trailer isn’t heavy enough to keep itself straight. New Atlas, 17 Sep. 2024 Smaller stocks have been even jumpier than the rest of the market, rising more than the S&P 500 when data indicate the U.S. economy is doing well and interest rates are about to come down, but tumbling more sharply when pessimism rises. Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2024 And Best retains the character’s elastic physicality and jumpy eagerness throughout the movie, despite being yoked with a still-in-the-works technology and disguised under layers of digital makeup. Brian Raftery, WIRED, 15 July 2017 See all Example Sentences for jumpy 

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of jumpy was in 1869

Dictionary Entries Near jumpy

Cite this Entry

“Jumpy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jumpy. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

jumpy

adjective
jumpier; jumpiest
: nervous sense 2a, jittery
after a long restless night, the soldiers were jumpy
jumpiness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on jumpy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!