twerking

noun

twerk·​ing ˈtwər-kiŋ How to pronounce twerking (audio)
: sexually suggestive dancing characterized by rapid, repeated hip thrusts and shaking of the buttocks especially while squatting
… twerking has become a catch-all for an overtly sexualized style of dancing wherein one manipulates the hips and posterior in an often hypnotic and physics-defying bounce.—Luke O'Neil
twerk
ˈtwərk How to pronounce twerking (audio)
intransitive verb
twerked; twerking; twerks
As my family watched in horror, I began to twerk, crouching down and bouncing my booty … —Libby Gelman-Waxner

Examples of twerking in a Sentence

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.
There’s plenty more twerking, and Meg even plays the role of Cupid in a corset and wings with a bow and arrow, searching for love. — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 24 Oct. 2025 Even the twerking was beautifully choreographed. — Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 13 Feb. 2026 This was the first of many awooga visuals to come—mass twerking, a fleeting shot of guy-on-guy grinding, and Bad Bunny executing his trademark crotch thrust. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2026 His mostly silent performance was punctuated by sudden bouts of singing, vigorous twerking, and still more ridiculous dance moves, the most impressive being a full split on the blackjack table. — Miles Klee, Wired News, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for twerking

Word History

Etymology

twerk, phonesthemic coinage, perhaps with elements of twist entry 1 and jerk entry 1

First Known Use

2001, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of twerking was in 2001

Rhymes for twerking

See All Rhymes for twerking

Browse Nearby Words

twenty-two
twerking
twerp
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Twerking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/twerking. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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