bobber

1 of 2

noun (1)

bob·​ber ˈbä-bər How to pronounce bobber (audio)
: one that bobs
especially : float entry 1 sense 2a

bobber

2 of 2

noun (2)

: a person who rides or races on a bobsled

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The rod’s high-contrast tip eliminates the need for an accessory spring bobber. Field & Stream, 26 Feb. 2021 Barbie outfits are fun for their novelty value and work okay for tossing a worm-and-bobber combination 20 feet. John Merwin, Field & Stream, 19 Nov. 2020 The rig tumbles downriver for 10 feet, then the bobber sags beneath the surface and Kiehm rips a hookset. Paul A. Smith, Journal Sentinel, 2 Jan. 2023 Last October, my brother Tom and I were having a slow day at one of our favorite trophy bluegill ponds where fish were just not responding to traditional bobber/jig/bait options that usually score well. Jim Gronaw, Baltimore Sun, 29 May 2022 Alternately, anglers can cast a floating line with an indicator (fly-fishing lingo for a bobber) to suspend several flies, often a balanced leech and a chironomid pattern, in the water column. New York Times, 27 May 2021 In summer, parents can bring their children, use a worm for bait under a bobber, and have the chance to catch scads of bluegill during the evening dusk bite in shaded coves. Tom Stienstra, San Francisco Chronicle, 13 May 2021 Tapwater led for most of the race but tired late, allowing Neige Blanche and Rideforthecause to battle to the wire in a head-bobber. John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2021 That induced an up and down oscillating motion known as a gravity wave — akin to the ripples produced by a bobber in a pond. Washington Post, 12 Apr. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bobber.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1593, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bobber was in 1593

Dictionary Entries Near bobber

Cite this Entry

“Bobber.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bobber. Accessed 26 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

bobber

noun
bob·​ber
ˈbäb-ər
: one that bobs
especially : float entry 1 sense 2a
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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