twitchy

adjective

ˈtwi-chē 

twitchier; twitchiest

1

: marked by twitches or jerking movements : tending to twitch

Oliver did not think he would be able to sleep, but he did sleep—a restless, twitchy sleep filled with hideous dreams.

—Eva Ibbotson

Round-shouldered yet angular, he walked in a twitchy manner that recalled a spider, his oily hair swinging about his face.

—J. K. Rowling

2

: nervously on edge or fretful

This revelation was an incredible relief to those of us who get a little twitchy at the thought of making pasta …

—Jane Daniels Lear

There was action every minute, and so much momentum carrying the story forward that until I finished it, I was in a sort of twitchy agony if I got stuck doing anything else.

—Eric Konigsberg

Synonyms

• antsy
• fidgety
• squirmy
• wiggly
• wriggly

Examples of twitchy in a Sentence

examining the twitchy little poodle was a challenge for the vet

Recent Examples on the Web

There is something anxious about them, something nerve-jangling and twitchy. —Peter Ross, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Jan. 2025

Stewart is twitchy and on edge, yet still totally charming, while O’Brian (known for smaller supporting roles in titles like Twisters, The Mandalorian, and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania) is unforgettable as Jackie, who starts out tough and ambitious but soon begins to unravel and lose control. —Photo: Courtesy Of Mgm., refinery29.com, 23 Dec. 2024

Josh’s gentle teasing causes Diane’s brain to explode, and Grande plays her twitchy mix of anxiety and aggression to perfection. —Joe Berkowitz, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2024

His delivery, as a Mustard beat that feels like a futuristic L.A. drumline, powers a twitchy chorus that will, undoubtedly, be shouted on dancefloors everywhere. —Peter A. Berry, Variety, 24 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1