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twitch

C1
verbnoun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /twˈɪtʃ/

US

  • /ˈtwɪtʃ/

Description

A twitch is a small, quick movement that often happens without meaning to. You might feel an eyelid twitch when you are tired, see a dog's ear twitch at a sound, or notice a slight twitch in someone's mouth when they are nervous.

The word can be used as both a noun and a verb. It usually suggests a short, sudden movement rather than a full action. Sometimes it comes from stress, tiredness, or strong feeling, and sometimes it is just a quick physical reaction.

Examples

  1. 1

    Eye strain

    His left eye started to twitch after a long day at the screen.

  2. 2

    Animal reaction

    The dog’s ears twitched when it heard someone at the door.

  3. 3

    Cold shock

    She twitched when the cold water touched her back.

    • Pattern

      twitch when + event

      move suddenly because of surprise or discomfort

  4. 4

    Sleep movement

    The baby twitched in his sleep but didn’t wake up.

  5. 5

    Hidden feeling

    The corner of his mouth twitched as he tried not to laugh.

    • Pattern

      the corner of someone’s mouth twitched

      a small movement that shows a hidden feeling

  6. 6

    Uncontrolled movement

    I always get a nervous twitch in my eyelid before an exam.

    • Meaning

      a twitch

      a small quick movement that you cannot fully control

Forms and spellings

4 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • twitchnounverb

Forms

  • twitching-ing formverbnoun
  • twitchespluralnounverb
  • twitchedpast tenseverbnoun