bobble

1 of 2

verb

bob·​ble ˈbä-bəl How to pronounce bobble (audio)
bobbled; bobbling ˈbä-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce bobble (audio)
Synonyms of bobblenext
1
: bob entry 1
2
: fumble

bobble

2 of 2

noun

1
: a repeated bobbing movement
2
: a small ball of fabric
especially : one in a series used on an edging
3
: error, mistake
especially : a mishandling of the ball in baseball or football

Synonyms of bobble

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Verb

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of bobble in a Sentence

Verb The catcher bobbled the ball. the first baseman bobbled the catch, so the runner was safe Noun a bobble that cost them the game The curtains have a series of bobbles along the edge.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Pass behind Ben Sims was bobbled and intercepted by Tyrel Dodson for a touchdown. — Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2026 On the next play, tight end Jared Wiley bobbled a pass into the arms of Conner, leading to two interceptions in two plays for Mahomes. — Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
Noun
Others secured the football, either cleanly or after a brief bobble. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026 Mara’s hands can be an issue with bobbles and turnovers, and his lateral foot speed is concerning. — Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bobble

Word History

Etymology

Verb

frequentative of bob entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bobble was in 1812

Rhymes for bobble

See All Rhymes for bobble

Browse Nearby Words

bobbish
bobble
bobblehead
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bobble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bobble. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bobble

verb
bob·​ble
ˈbäb-əl
bobbled; bobbling
ˈbäb-(ə-)liŋ
1
: bob entry 1 sense 1a
2
: to handle in a clumsy or unsure way : fumble
bobble noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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