# jittery

/ˈdʒɪtɝi/ (US) · /dʒˈɪtəɹi/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/jittery
Updated: 2026-10-13

## Definition

feeling nervous, shaky, or unable to relax. You might feel this way after drinking too much coffee or before a big test.

For teachers: characterised by nervous tension, slight shaking, or an inability to remain still. Often used to describe physical symptoms of anxiety or the effects of stimulants.

## Examples

- Too much caffeine makes me feel jittery and anxious.
- The investors were jittery before the central bank's announcement, causing the stock market to fluctuate wildly.
- Despite her outward composure, the rapid tapping of her pen revealed a jittery interior state brought on by the impending deadline.

## Usage notes

- Often follows linking verbs like 'feel', 'get', or 'become'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.