bumble

¹

[ buhm-buhl ]

verb (used without object)

, bum·bled, bum·bling.

1. to bungle or blunder awkwardly; muddle:

   He somehow bumbled through two years of college.

2. to stumble or stagger.
3. to speak in a low, stuttering, halting manner; mumble.

verb (used with object)

, bum·bled, bum·bling.

1. to do (something) clumsily; botch.

noun

1. an awkward blunder.

bumble

²

[ buhm-buhl ]

verb (used without object)

, bum·bled, bum·bling.

1. to make a buzzing, humming sound, as a bee.

bumble

¹

/ ˈbʌmbəl /

verb

1. to speak or do in a clumsy, muddled, or inefficient way

   he bumbled his way through his speech

2. intr to proceed unsteadily; stumble

noun

1. a blunder or botch

bumble

²

/ ˈbʌmbəl /

verb

1. intr to make a humming sound

Derived Forms

• ˈbumbler, noun
• ˈbumbling, nounadjective

Other Words From

• bumbler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bumble¹

1525–35; perhaps blend of bungle and stumble

Origin of bumble²

1350–1400; Middle English bomblen, frequentative of bomben to boom, buzz; imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of bumble¹

C16: perhaps a blend of bungle + stumble

Origin of bumble²

C14 bomblen to buzz, boom, of imitative origin

Example Sentences

Then he began to show me his drawings for the book that would become his last, Bumble-Ardy.

From The Daily Beast

He fixed his eyes on Mrs. Corney as he said this; and if ever a beadle looked tender, Mr. Bumble was that beadle at that moment.

From Project Gutenberg

But dont you think out-of-door relief a very bad thing any way, Mr. Bumble?

From Project Gutenberg

Very nice animals, maam, replied Mr. Bumble, approvingly; so very domestic.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Bumble made no reply, but in a slow and dignified manner put his arm round the matrons waist.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Bumble tasted the medicine with a doubtful look; smacked his lips, took another taste, and put the cup down empty.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bobble
• bungle
• stumble