IPA: /ˈrɪɡl/
KK: /ˈrɪɡəl/
To move in a twisting or squirming way, often as a result of discomfort or to escape.
The worm began to wriggle when I touched it.
Past: wriggled
Past Participle: wriggled
A quick, twisting movement or motion, often resembling the movement of a worm or snake.
The fish made a wriggle as it tried to escape the net.
To move in a twisting or squirming way, often used to describe small movements of the body.
The child began to wriggle in his seat during the long meeting.
Past: wriggled
Past Participle: wriggled
Wriggle → The word 'wriggle' originates from Middle English 'wriglen', which is of uncertain origin but is thought to be related to the Old English 'wrygan' (meaning to twist or turn). The word describes a twisting or turning motion, often associated with the movement of small creatures or objects.
Imagine something that 'twists' or 'turns' — that's what wriggle means, like a worm moving in a squirmy way.