bobble

American  

[bob-uhl] / ˈbɒb əl /

noun

1. a repeated, jerky movement; bob.

2. a momentary fumbling or juggling of a batted or thrown baseball.

3. an error; mistake.

4. a small ball of fabric usually used decoratively, as in a fringe or other trimming.

   a sweater with a line of bobbles up the sleeves.

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verb (used with object)

bobbled, bobbling

1. to juggle or fumble (a batted or thrown baseball) momentarily, usually resulting in an error.

bobble British  

/ ˈbɒbəl /

noun

1. a short jerky motion, as of a cork floating on disturbed water; bobbing movement

2. a tufted ball, usually for ornament, as on a knitted hat

3. any small dangling ball or bundle

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verb

1. (intr) sport (of a ball) to bounce with a rapid erratic motion due to an uneven playing surface

2. informal  to handle (something) ineptly; muff; bungle

   he bobbled the ball and lost the game

Etymology

Origin of bobble

1805–15; bob ¹ + -le; bobble ( def. 4 ) perhaps new formation with bob ²

Example Sentences

Busch recovered from an initial bobble in time to retire the slow-footed catcher, but his throw sailed wide of first base for an error.

From Los Angeles Times

“He never took a bad step or bobble. He had a big heart.”

From Washington Times

If CJ Abrams doesn’t bobble a soft grounder to start the fifth, Gore could have lasted longer than 101 pitches in six innings.

From Washington Post

He struck out in two other key spots, and bobbled the ball while trying to throw out Corbin Carroll on back-to-back steals.

From Los Angeles Times

He took over a bobbled puck at the top of the faceoff circles and placed it perfectly.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• bumble
• bungle
• err
• flub
• fumble
• miscalculate
• mishandle
• misjudge
• mismanage
• muff
• screw up