boggle

verb

bog·​gle ˈbä-gəl How to pronounce boggle (audio)
boggled; boggling ˈbä-g(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce boggle (audio)

intransitive verb

1
: to start with fright or amazement : be overwhelmed
the mind boggles at the research needed
2
: to hesitate because of doubt, fear, or scruples

transitive verb

1
2
: to overwhelm with wonder or bewilderment
boggle the mind
boggle noun

Examples of boggle in a Sentence

I boggled my first effort to make homemade pasta
Recent Examples on the Web Scott Olson/Getty Images Vivek Ramaswamy’s recent take on Ukraine was enough to boggle Piers Morgan’s mind. Tori Otten, The New Republic, 1 Nov. 2023 My mind boggles at the speeds this old Mustang can manage through corners, a testament to the recreation racing tires, but also OVC's 455 hp engine, suspension, and modern Tremec five-speed transmission. Michael Teo Van Runkle, Ars Technica, 26 Oct. 2023 But then there are places like Chicago, where the sheer number of options almost boggles the mind. Nick Kindelsperger, Chicago Tribune, 12 Sep. 2023 But in Chicago, the sheer number of options almost boggles the mind. Lauryn Azu, Chicago Tribune, 14 Sep. 2023 If your mind is totally boggled, start with our article that explains what angel numbers are, and revisit this page for insights specific to 143. Kate Franke, Woman's Day, 21 Aug. 2023 The amount of information packed into those pages boggles the mind. Mary Ann Ashcraft, Baltimore Sun, 13 Aug. 2023 Read More: How And Just Like That Season 2 Pays Homage to the SATC Movie All this makes Carrie’s response to Aidan’s return is a little mind boggling. Time, 3 Aug. 2023 Because at the core of his performance was a claim of boggling audacity: that these were not tricks. David Segal, BostonGlobe.com, 8 July 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'boggle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from bogle

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of boggle was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near boggle

Cite this Entry

“Boggle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boggle. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

boggle

verb
bog·​gle ˈbä-gəl How to pronounce boggle (audio)
boggled; boggling -g(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce boggle (audio)
1
: to start with fright or amazement
the mind boggles at the effort
2
: to hesitate because of doubt or fear
3
: to overwhelm with wonder or confusion
boggles the mind
boggle noun

More from Merriam-Webster on boggle

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