jumpy

adjective

ˈjəm-pē How to pronounce jumpy (audio)
jumpier; jumpiest
Synonyms of jumpynext
1
: nervous, jittery
2
: characterized by jumps or sudden variations
jumpiness noun

Synonyms of jumpy

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Examples of jumpy in a Sentence

trying to calm jumpy passengers flight attendants had to calm jumpy passengers after the plane hit unexpected turbulence
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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.
Levee, in this rendition, is the living embodiment of a jiving jazz cat who sees a future of faster, jumpier arrangements even for Ma Rainey’s dour if saucy blues. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 13 Oct. 2026 The hair metal craze was off to a very jumpy and problematic start. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 15 Sep. 2026 Oil prices are again jumpy, Japan might be selling Treasuries to defend the yen and, at least psychologically, global fiscal imbalances encroach. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2026 As the story moves breathlessly through the neighborhood’s streets and interiors, Kodeih, who also edited the feature, and cinematographer Tony Kopec zero in on a jumpy, kinetic tension between looming catastrophe and potential triumph. — Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026 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

Rhymes for jumpy

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Browse Nearby Words

jump weld
jumpy
jun
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Cite this Entry

“Jumpy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jumpy. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

jumpy

adjective
ˈjəm-pē How to pronounce jumpy (audio)
jumpier; jumpiest
: nervous sense 2a, jittery
after a long restless night, the soldiers were jumpy
jumpiness noun
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