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 verb 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 grounder b : to lose hold of a football while handling or running with ittransitive verb 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 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