fumbled; fumbling
ˈfəm-b(ə-)liŋ 
1
a
: to grope for or handle something clumsily or aimlessly
b
: to make awkward attempts to do or find something
fumbled in his pocket for a coin
c
: to search by trial and error
d
: blunder
2
: to feel one's way or move awkwardly
3
a
: to drop or juggle or fail to play cleanly a ground ball
b
: to lose hold of a football while handling or running with it
1
: to bring about by clumsy manipulation
2
a
: to feel or handle clumsily
b
: to deal with in a blundering way : bungle
3
: to make (one's way) in a clumsy manner
4
a
: misplay
fumble a ground ball
b
: to lose hold of (a football) while handling or running
Examples of fumble in a Sentence
Verb
She fumbled in her pocket for her keys.
They fumbled a good opportunity to take control of the market.
He was hit hard and fumbled on the 20-yard line.
He fumbled the ball on the 20-yard line.
Noun
played the entire piano piece without a single fumble
Recent Examples on the Web
Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2026
In a stunning blowout Friday night, KU fumbled its conference tournament semifinal against the Houston Cougars, losing 69-47.
—Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2026
Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 10 Mar. 2026
During four seasons with the Chiefs, McDuffie forced eight fumbles, three interceptions and broke up 34 passes.
—Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fumble
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Verb
The Warriors had a chance to send the game to overtime on the final possession of regulation, but Post, who hit four 3s on the night, fumbled the catch and turned the ball over, leaving the Knicks with the ball as the shot clock expired.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2026
In a stunning blowout Friday night, KU fumbled its conference tournament semifinal against the Houston Cougars, losing 69-47.
—Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
The Chiefs lost just three fumbles a year ago and that tied for the fewest in the NFL.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 10 Mar. 2026
During four seasons with the Chiefs, McDuffie forced eight fumbles, three interceptions and broke up 34 passes.
—Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fumble
Cite this Entry
“Fumble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fumble. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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