bobber

¹ American  

[bob-er] / ˈbɒb ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that bobs.

2. a fishing bob.

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bobber ² American  

[bob-er] / ˈbɒb ər /

noun

1. a member of a bobsled team.

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Etymology

Origin of bobber¹

First recorded in 1830–40; bob ¹ + -er ¹

Origin of bobber²

First recorded in 1900–05; bob ² + -er ¹

Example Sentences

He reels in the baitfish, unhooks it, rehooks it with the shark hook, and tosses the bobber, leader, and bait back out, before handing the shark rod to me.

From Slate • Sep. 1, 2022

The Dakes cast upstream and let their baits drift down, ready to set the hook should the bobber dip below the surface.

From Washington Post • Aug. 31, 2017

Fishermen will not get bored there like they might on Crane Prairie, staring at a strike indicator or bobber all day long.

From Washington Times • Jun. 28, 2014

Fish the same jig and slip bobber combos in the mainstem of the Columbia, but bait them with a chunk of shrimp cured with Pautzke's Fire Cure.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 6, 2011

I spun in the hallway like a bobber in the river.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly