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)

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

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
Jo Adell hit a 105.9-mph grounder to New York shortstop Anthony Volpe, who bobbled the ball and threw wide of second, allowing Trout to score. Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025 Manny Machado bobbled a sure out that led to two unearned runs, which gave the Marlins their final lead. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2025
Noun
During the Monday, June 16, episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the actress and producer, 61, appeared in a black Stella McCartney suit covered with 3D metallic bobbles. Catherine Santino, People.com, 17 June 2025 But on one rep Monday with Allen under center, the exchange yielded a bobble and a fumble that hit the ground, which had coaches whistle the play dead immediately. Joe Buscaglia, The Athletic, 29 July 2024 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bobble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bobble. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

bobble

verb
bob·​ble
ˈbäb-əl
bobbled; bobbling
ˈbäb-(ə-)liŋ
1
2
: to handle in a clumsy or unsure way : fumble
bobble noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!