Definition of fumble
fumbled
;fumbling
play \ˈfəm-b(ə-)liŋ\intransitive verb
1a : to grope for or handle something clumsily or aimlesslyb : to make awkward attempts to do or find something fumbled in his pocket for a coinc : to search by trial and errord : blunder
2 : to feel one's way or move awkwardly
3a : to drop or juggle or fail to play cleanly a grounderb : to lose hold of a football while handling or running with it
transitive verb
1 : to bring about by clumsy manipulation
2a : to feel or handle clumsilyb : to deal with in a blundering way : bungle
3 : to make (one's way) in a clumsy manner
4a : misplay fumble a grounderb : to lose hold of (a football) while handling or running
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Examples of fumble in a Sentence
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.
Origin and Etymology of fumble
probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Swedish fumla to fumble
First Known Use: 1534
Examples of fumble in a Sentence
played the entire piano piece without a single fumble
1634
First Known Use of fumble
1634
FUMBLE Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of fumble for English Language Learners
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: to search for something by reaching or touching with your fingers in an awkward or clumsy way
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: to handle something in an awkward or clumsy way
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sports : to fail to catch or hold the ball
FUMBLE Defined for Kids
Definition of fumble for Students
fumbled
;fumbling
1 : to feel about for or handle something in a clumsy way He fumbled in his pockets.
2 : to lose hold of the ball in football
Definition of fumble for Students
: an act of losing hold of the ball in football
Learn More about fumble
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See words that rhyme with fumble Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for fumble Spanish Central: Translation of fumble Nglish: Translation of fumble for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fumble
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