jerky

1 of 3

adjective

ˈjər-kē How to pronounce jerky (audio)
jerkier; jerkiest
Synonyms of jerkynext
1
a
: moving along with or marked by fits and starts
b
: characterized by abrupt transitions
2
: inane, foolish
jerkily
ˈjər-kə-lē How to pronounce jerky (audio)
adverb
jerkiness
ˈjər-kē-nəs How to pronounce jerky (audio)
noun

jerky

2 of 3

noun (1)

jer·​ky ˈjər-kē How to pronounce jerky (audio)
: jerked meat

jerkiness

3 of 3

noun (2)

jerk·​i·​ness -kēnə̇s How to pronounce jerkiness (audio)
-kin-
plural -es
: the quality or state of being jerky

Synonyms of jerky

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Adjective

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Examples of jerky in a Sentence

Adjective The movie was jerky and hard to watch. made jerky progress walking with the new crutches
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.
Adjective
That is always tricky, but Ojai was especially jerky. — Rakesh Agrawal, PC Magazine, 28 June 2026 Granola bars, nuts, jerky, and other pantry staples are all solid snack options for hiking. — Allison Forsyth, Health, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
But certain items that currently meet the requirements, such as beef jerky for protein or butter for dairy, no longer will. — Benjamin Chrisinger, The Conversation, 19 May 2026 The stores, which have a Midwest vibe, have amenities like a popcorn bar and an assortment of jerky to rival Buc-ee's. — Kevin Williams, CNBC, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for jerky

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

jerk entry 2 + -y entry 1

Noun (1)

borrowed from American Spanish charqui (borrowed from southern Peruvian Quechua ch'arki), conformed to jerk entry 4 and earlier jerked

First Known Use

Adjective

1670, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (1)

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jerky was in 1670

Phrases Containing jerky

Rhymes for jerky

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Browse Nearby Words

jerkwater
jerky
jermonal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Jerky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jerky. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

jerky

1 of 2 noun
jer·​ky
ˈjər-kē
: jerked meat

jerky

2 of 2 adjective
ˈjər-kē
jerkier; jerkiest
1
: marked by jerks
a jerky ride on a dirt road
2
: stupid, foolish
jerkily
-kə-lē
adverb
jerkiness
-kē-nəs
noun
Etymology

Noun

from Spanish charqui "jerky," from Quechua ch'arki

Adjective

jerk (noun) and -y (adjective suffix)

More from Merriam-Webster on jerky

Nglish: Translation of jerky for Spanish Speakers

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