bobbles; bobbled; bobbling
1
: to move up and down quickly or repeatedly
a doll with a head that bobbles [=bobs] up and down
2
US
: to handle (something, such as a ball) in a clumsy or awkward way : to fail to catch (something) : fumble
The catcher bobbled the ball.
plural bobbles
1
US
: a mistake that occurs when a player fails to catch or handle the ball properly in baseball, football, etc.
a bobble that cost them the game
—sometimes used figurativelyThe show went well with only a minor bobble. [=mistake]
2
chiefly British
: a small ball of fabric that is used for decoration
The curtains have a series of bobbles along the edge.
a woolly hat with a bobble [=(US) pom-pom] on top
Cite this Entry
“Bobble.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/bobble. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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