Main Entry:

¹fum·ble

Pronunciation:

\ˈfəm-bəl\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

fum·bled; fum·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\

Etymology:

probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Swedish fumla to fumble

Date:

1534

intransitive verb1 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: blunder2: to feel one's way or move awkwardly3 a: to drop or juggle or fail to play cleanly a grounder b: to lose hold of a football while handling or running with ittransitive verb1: to bring about by clumsy manipulation2 a: to feel or handle clumsily b: to deal with in a blundering way : bungle3: to make (one's way) in a clumsy manner4 a: misplay <fumble a grounder> b: to lose hold of (a football) while handling or running

— fum·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun

— fum·bling·ly \-b(ə-)liŋ-lē\ adverb