# jumpy

/ˈdʒəmpi/ (US) · /dʒˈʌmpi/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/jumpy
Updated: 2026-10-14

## Definition

feeling nervous and easily scared by small sounds or sudden moves. You feel jumpy when you are stressed, tired, or afraid.

For teachers: easily startled by sudden sounds or movements; marked by nervous restlessness. Often follows linking verbs such as 'feel', 'seem', or 'get'.

## Examples

- The loud noise makes the dog jumpy.
- She feels jumpy before job interviews and checks her phone every few minutes.
- After two nights without sleep, he grows jumpy at every hallway sound, mistaking routine footsteps for something threatening.

## Usage notes

- Predominantly predicative; commonly follows 'feel', 'seem', '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.