: characterized by sudden, irregular, or unpredictable movement or style

Examples of herky-jerky in a Sentence

filmed in a herky-jerky style that will give many moviegoers a headache
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.
Remember that live design collaboration suffered from maddening lag times and herky-jerky movements just a few short years ago. PC Magazine, 3 Apr. 2025 But even if Trump’s tariffs ultimately end up being less harsh than feared, a worry hitting the market is that their herky-jerky rollout may by itself create enough nervousness to get U.S. households and businesses to freeze their spending, which would damage the economy. Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2025 What better for the crafty, herky-jerky guard than a big man who can roll, pop and allow Brunson to play off the ball more because of his passing? James L. Edwards Iii, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025 Lamar rapped with intense focus, nailing every bit of elegantly herky-jerky choreography. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2025 Experts agree mid-drive bikes typically deliver a less herky-jerky ride, because the motor assist is integrated into the pedal crank itself. IEEE Spectrum, 14 Apr. 2024 Judging by what Trump has said so far, and the herky-jerky way peace talks in Saudi Arabia have been rolled out, the president would be satisfied with a ceasefire that contained no guarantees of Ukrainian security should Putin later renege on the deal. Trudy Rubin, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025 What better for the crafty, herky-jerky guard than a big man who can roll, pop and allow Brunson to play off the ball more because of his passing? James L. Edwards Iii, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025 Late in a herky-jerky first half, the backup guard’s emphatic drive and dunk helped cut into Penn State’s lead. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

reduplication of jerky

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of herky-jerky was in 1890

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Herky-jerky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/herky-jerky. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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