bobblehead

noun

bob·​ble·​head ˈbä-bəl-ˌhed 

variants or bobblehead doll

plural bobbleheads or bobblehead dolls

: a doll having a head that makes repeated bobbing movements when touched or moved

Her desk is covered in bobbleheads and tchotchkes.

—Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 22 June 2009

There are lobster T-shirts and lobster bobblehead dolls and inflatable lobster pool toys and clamp-on lobster hats with big scarlet claws that wobble on springs.

—David Foster Wallace, Gourmet, August 2004

During five home games this season the team gave away bobblehead dolls of its 2005–06 starters. …

—Michael Farber, Sports Illustrated, 21 Feb. 2011

Word History

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Rhymes for bobblehead

• abovesaid
• aforesaid
• arrowhead
• casinghead
• copperhead
• figurehead
• fountainhead
• gingerbread
• hammerhead
• infrared
• leatherhead
• letterhead