Wiggle vs. Waggle: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss || Updated on May 20, 2024
"Wiggle" refers to small, quick movements back and forth, while "waggle" describes a more deliberate, side-to-side or up-and-down motion.
Key Differences
"Wiggle" means to move with small, rapid, irregular motions, often back and forth. It is typically used to describe the movement of parts of the body, like fingers or toes, or objects that can shift slightly. "Waggle," on the other hand, denotes a more pronounced and deliberate side-to-side or up-and-down movement. It often conveys a sense of intentionality or effort in the motion.
"Wiggle" is commonly associated with a more random or playful motion, often seen in contexts involving children or animals. It can also indicate slight adjustments, like wiggling a loose tooth. In contrast, "waggle" implies a more purposeful or rhythmic action, often used to describe how animals like dogs or bees move specific body parts.
While both terms describe types of motion, "wiggle" conveys a lighter, more erratic movement, whereas "waggle" suggests a stronger, more deliberate motion.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Small, quick, irregular movements
More deliberate, side-to-side or up-and-down movements
Connotation
Playful, random
Purposeful, rhythmic
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Usage Context
Body parts, small objects
Animal movements, controlled actions
Example
"The baby wiggled her fingers."
"The dog waggled its tail."
Motion Type
Light, erratic
Stronger, intentional
Wiggle and Waggle Definitions
Wiggle
To shift or adjust slightly.
He wiggled his loose tooth.
Waggle
To shake or sway back and forth.
The bee waggled its body to communicate with the hive.
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Wiggle
To move back and forth with quick irregular motions
The gelatin wiggled on the plate.
Waggle
To cause to move in a similar manner.
She waggled her finger at him in admonishment.
Wiggle
To move or proceed with a twisting or turning motion; wriggle
Wiggled restlessly in her chair.
Wiggled through the crowd.
Waggle
To move something with a series of quick, repeated motions.
The golfer waggled his club before the swing.
Wiggle
To insinuate or extricate oneself by sly or subtle means
Wiggled out of a social engagement.
Waggle
To move (an attached part, for example) with short, quick motions
Waggled her foot impatiently.
Wiggle
To cause to move back and forth with quick irregular motions
Wiggle a loose tooth.
Waggle
To move shakily; wobble
Waggled down the steps.
Wiggle
To make (one's way, for example) by or as if by wiggling
The pitcher wiggled his way out of a jam.
Waggle
A wobbling motion.
Wiggle
A wiggling movement or course.
Waggle
(transitive) To move (something) with short, quick motions; to wobble.
Wiggle
To move with irregular, back and forward or side to side motions; To shake or jiggle.
Her hips wiggle as she walks.
The jelly wiggles on the plate when you move it.
Waggle
(intransitive) To reel, sway, or move from side to side; to move with a wagging motion; to waddle.
Wiggle
A rapid movement in alternating opposite directions, not necessarily regular.
She walked with a sexy wiggle.
Waggle
A wobbling motion.
Give the cable a waggle to let it come out quicker.
Wiggle
(figurative) An alternating state or characteristic. en
Waggle
(golf) The preliminary swinging of the club head back and forth over the ball in the line of the proposed stroke.
Wiggle
(in the plural) See wiggles.
Waggle
To reel, sway, or move from side to side; to move with a wagging motion; to waddle.
Why do you go nodding and waggling so?
Wiggle
To move to and fro with a quick, jerking motion; to bend rapidly, or with a wavering motion, from side to side; to wag; to squirm; to wriggle; as, the dog wiggles his tail; the tadpole wiggles in the water.
Waggle
To move frequently one way and the other; to wag; as, a bird waggles his tail.
Wiggle
Act of wiggling; a wriggle.
Waggle
A waggling or wagging;
Wiggle
The act of wiggling
Waggle
Causing to move repeatedly from side to side
Wiggle
Move to and fro;
Don't jiggle your finger while the nurse is putting on the bandage!
Waggle
Move from side to side;
The happy dog wagged his tail
Wiggle
To move with small, quick, irregular motions.
The worm wiggled in the soil.
Waggle
Move unsteadily or with a weaving or rolling motion
Wiggle
To twist or turn with slight movements.
She wiggled her way through the crowded room.
Waggle
To move with short, deliberate side-to-side or up-and-down motions.
The duck waggled its tail as it waddled.
Wiggle
To cause to move with jerky movements.
He wiggled the key to make it fit in the lock.
Waggle
To make a motion as if to signal or attract attention.
He waggled his eyebrows playfully.
Wiggle
To move up and down or from side to side with short, quick movements.
The puppy wiggled in excitement.
FAQs
What does "waggle" mean?
"Waggle" means to move with short, deliberate side-to-side or up-and-down motions.
Can "wiggle" describe adjusting an object?
Yes, "wiggle" can describe slight adjustments, such as wiggling a loose tooth.
Is "wiggle" a playful motion?
Yes, "wiggle" often connotes a playful or random motion.
What does "wiggle" mean?
"Wiggle" means to move with small, quick, irregular motions.
Is "waggle" a controlled motion?
Yes, "waggle" implies a more deliberate and controlled motion.
Can "wiggle" be used for humans?
Yes, "wiggle" can describe human movements, such as wiggling fingers or toes.
Does "wiggle" imply direction?
"Wiggle" implies small, irregular movements that may not have a specific direction.
Can "waggle" describe a person's gestures?
Yes, "waggle" can describe gestures, such as waggling a finger or eyebrows.
Is "wiggle" used in everyday language?
Yes, "wiggle" is commonly used in everyday language, especially in contexts involving small, playful movements.
Can "waggle" be used for objects?
Yes, "waggle" can describe the deliberate movement of objects, like waggling a club before a golf swing.
Can "waggle" describe animal behavior?
Yes, "waggle" is often used to describe how animals move parts of their bodies, like a dog waggling its tail.
Does "waggle" imply direction?
"Waggle" implies a more directional movement, typically side-to-side or up-and-down.
Is "waggle" used in technical contexts?
"Waggle" can be used in specific contexts, such as describing the "waggle dance" of bees.
Can "wiggle" be used for mechanical parts?
Yes, "wiggle" can describe the small movements of mechanical parts.
Is "wiggle" more common with children?
Yes, "wiggle" is frequently used to describe the movements of children.
Is "wiggle" used to describe shifting positions?
Yes, "wiggle" can describe slight shifts or adjustments in position.
Can "wiggle" describe a worm's movement?
Yes, "wiggle" is often used to describe the movement of worms.
Can "waggle" be used in sports?
Yes, "waggle" can describe movements in sports, such as a golfer waggling their club.
Does "waggle" imply communication?
Yes, "waggle" can imply communication, as in the waggle dance of bees.
Is "waggle" more common with animals?
Yes, "waggle" is often used to describe the deliberate movements of animals.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
