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
Andre Fernandez, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025
In Week 2, McCarthy played poorly, throwing two interceptions and fumbling three times.
—Ben Morse, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025
Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2025
Hubbard was able to recover the ball on the fumble, but McKinney was able to get his turnover on the pick in the end zone.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 2 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fumble
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Verb
After taking an early 3-0 lead and forcing the Ravens to punt on their opening series, Tahj Washington fumbled after a catch and Baltimore’s Alohi Gilman scooped it up and returned it to Miami’s 7, setting up Jackson’s first touchdown pass to Mark Andrews.
—Andre Fernandez, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025
In Week 2, McCarthy played poorly, throwing two interceptions and fumbling three times.
—Ben Morse, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
Fitzpatrick, who has contributed 50 tackles, one interception and recovered one fumble in the nine games, has played free safety and nickel cornerback for the Dolphins in his return to the team that initially drafted him 11th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2025
Hubbard was able to recover the ball on the fumble, but McKinney was able to get his turnover on the pick in the end zone.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 2 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fumble
Cite this Entry
“Fumble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fumble. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
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