bubble

¹bub·ble

noun, often attributive \ˈbə-bəl\

Definition of BUBBLE

1

: a small globule typically hollow and light: as

a : a small body of gas within a liquid

b : a thin film of liquid inflated with air or gas

c : a globule in a transparent solid

d : something (as a plastic or inflatable structure) that is hemispherical or semicylindrical

2

a : something that lacks firmness, solidity, or reality

b : a delusive scheme

3

: a sound like that of bubbling

4

: magnetic bubble

5

: a state of booming economic activity (as in a stock market) that often ends in a sudden collapse

6

: the condition of being at risk of exclusion or replacement (as from a tournament) —usually used in the phrase on the bubble <teams still on the bubble for the play-offs>

Examples of BUBBLE

1. They saw air bubbles in the water.
2. There were bubbles in the ice.
3. The Internet stock bubble finally burst.

Origin of BUBBLE

Middle English bobel

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with BUBBLE

double, Hubble, nubble, rubble, stubble, trouble

²bubble

verb

bub·bled bub·bling \ˈbə-b(ə-)liŋ\

Definition of BUBBLE

intransitive verb

1

a : to form or produce bubbles

b : to rise in or as if in bubbles —usually used with up

2

: to flow with a gurgling sound <a brook bubbling over rocks>

3

a : to become lively or effervescent <bubbling with good humor>

b : to speak in a lively and fluent manner

transitive verb

1

: to utter (as words) effervescently

2

: to cause to bubble

Examples of BUBBLE

1. <the soapy water bubbled down the drain>

First Known Use of BUBBLE

15th century

Related to BUBBLE

Synonyms

gurgle, dribble, guggle, lap, plash, ripple, splash, trickle, wash

Antonyms

pour, roll, stream

Related Words

eddy, purl, swirl; swash, swish, swoosh, whish; drip, drop; gush, jet, rush, spew, spout, spurt, squirt

Near Antonyms

run

Rhymes with BUBBLE

double, rubble, trouble