First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1twitch
verb \ˈtwich\
: to make a slight, sudden movement that is not controlled or deliberate
: to move or pull (something) with a sudden motion
Full Definition of TWITCH
transitive verb
: to move or pull with a sudden motion : jerk
intransitive verb
2
: to move jerkily : quiver
3
: to undergo a brief spasmodic muscular contraction <his hand twitched>
— twitch·er noun
See twitch defined for English-language learners
See twitch defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of TWITCH
Middle English twicchen; akin to Old English twiccian to pluck, Old High German gizwickan to pinch
Related to TWITCH
2twitch
noun
Definition of TWITCH
1
: an act of twitching; especially : a short sudden pull or jerk
2
: a physical or mental pang <a twitch of remorse>
3
: a loop of rope or strap that is tightened over a horse's lip as a restraining device
4
a : a brief spasmodic contraction of the muscle fibers b : a slight jerk of a body part
— twitch·i·ly \ˈtwi-chə-lē\ adverb
— twitchy \ˈtwi-chē\ adjective
First Known Use of TWITCH
1523
3twitch
noun
TWITCH Defined for Kids
1twitch
verb \ˈtwich\
twitchedtwitch·ing
Definition of TWITCH for Kids
1
: to move or cause to move with a slight trembling or jerky motion : quiver <The rabbit twitched its ears.> <Her body was twitching with exhaustion.>
2
: to move or pull with a sudden motion : jerk <She twitched the blanket aside.>
2twitch
noun
Definition of TWITCH for Kids
1
: a slight tremble or jerk of a muscle or body part <a twitch of the tail>
2
: a short sudden pull or jerk <Charlotte gave her web a twitch and moodily watched it sway. — E. B. White, Charlotte's Web>
Learn More About TWITCH
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: twitchel (noun)Previous Word in the Dictionary: twit All Words Near: twitch
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up twitch? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).