jitters — feelings of extreme nervousness, especially before an important event
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: feelings of extreme nervousness, especially before an important event
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈdʒɪtərz/
Example Sentences
- I always get the jitters when I have to give a presentation to my boss.
- His coffee jitters were so bad that he couldn't hold his cup steady.
- The bride had a severe case of jitters and almost ran away from the altar.
jitters
NOUN[/ˈdʒɪtərz/]
feelings of extreme nervousness, especially before an important event

Before her piano recital, she gets terrible jitters backstage.

Jitters make it hard to cook fritters, even the critters look worried!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word emerged in American English during the 1920s, derived from 'jitter', meaning to shake or fidget. It originated from the energetic atmosphere and rapid dance movements of the Jazz Age, capturing the nervous excitement and physical trembling associated with the era's vibrant culture.
Breakdown
jitter (to shake, tremble, or fidget) + -s (plural noun suffix), forming the plural noun denoting multiple instances of nervous trembling or states of anxious agitation.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“I always get the jitters when I have to give a presentation to my boss.”
“His coffee jitters were so bad that he couldn't hold his cup steady.”
“The bride had a severe case of jitters and almost ran away from the altar.”
“To calm my jitters, I took three deep breaths before entering the exam room.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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