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

They’re light, compact and can be used as a canteen, fire starter, elastic band, slingshot, fishing bobber or signaling device.

From New York Times • Dec. 28, 2017

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

Bending down, he opened up his tackle box and busied himself with a bobber and a piece of wire leader, humming to himself, his eyes down.

From "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien