The meaning of JERK is an annoyingly stupid or foolish person. How to use jerk in a sentence.

JERK definition: a quick, sharp pull, thrust, twist, throw, or the like; a sudden movement. See examples of jerk used in a sentence.

jerk verb [I or T, usually + adv/prep] (BEHAVIOUR) to suddenly behave differently, usually by understanding something or becoming active again, or to cause someone or something to do this:

jerk 1 (dʒɜrk) n. 1. a quick, sharp pull, thrust, twist, or the like; sudden, abrupt movement. 2. a sudden involuntary muscle contraction, as of a reflex. 3. Slang. a contemptibly naive, stupid, or insignificant …

Jan 20, 2026 · jerk (third-person singular simple present jerks, present participle jerking, simple past and past participle jerked) (intransitive) To make a sudden uncontrolled movement.

If you call someone a jerk, you are insulting them because you think they are stupid or you do not like them.

jerk, + adj. Food being or containing a spicy seasoning mixture flavored with allspice, used esp. in Jamaican cooking: jerk sauce. Food prepared with jerk flavorings, esp. by barbecuing or grilling: jerk …

There are 17 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word jerk, six of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

JERK meaning: 1 : a stupid person or a person who is not well-liked or who treats other people badly; 2 : a quick pull or twist

A jerk is a sharp, sudden movement. When you're learning to drive a stick shift, it’s hard to avoid the jerk and lurch when you try to change gears. Jerk is also a very unflattering term for an obnoxious person.