herky-jerky

[hur-kee-jur-kee] / ˈhɜr kiˈdʒɜr ki /

ADJECTIVE

fitful

Synonyms

STRONGEST

desultory intermittent periodic spotty

WEAK

bits and pieces broken capricious catchy changeable disturbed erratic flickering fluctuating haphazard hit-or-miss impulsive inconstant interrupted on-again-off-again random recurrent restive restless shifting spasmodic spastic unstable variable

Antonyms

STRONGEST

constant continual regular

WEAK

continuous even undisturbed unvarying

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But the herky-jerky song-and-dance sequences are wild, a potent reminder that America has long been the land of the free and the home of the rave.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 18, 2025

Over the span of a few seconds, a robot would dance in a herky-jerky fashion, its movement spelling out the temperature in degrees Celsius.

From Science Magazine • Mar. 15, 2024

It's a deliciously strange, herky-jerky pop number, orchestrated by synth bassoons and merry-go-round organs.

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2024

“When they see that movement, that herky-jerky movement that rodents have, I mean, that’s like passing by the McDonald’s arches,” Eyring said.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 3, 2024

Barack and I studied little Malia, taking in the mystery of her rosebud lips, her dark fuzzy head and unfocused gaze, the herky-jerky way she moved her tiny limbs.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

herky-jerky

Example Sentences

Related Words