bobble
Americannoun
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a repeated, jerky movement; bob.
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a momentary fumbling or juggling of a batted or thrown baseball.
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an error; mistake.
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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.
verb (used with object)
noun
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a short jerky motion, as of a cork floating on disturbed water; bobbing movement
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a tufted ball, usually for ornament, as on a knitted hat
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any small dangling ball or bundle
verb
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(intr) sport (of a ball) to bounce with a rapid erratic motion due to an uneven playing surface
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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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In Wednesday’s slalom, Shiffrin laid down a vintage first run in 47.13 seconds that gave her a lead of 0.82 seconds, despite a bobble halfway down the course.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 18, 2026
As Muncy’s ball soared to the wall, Brewers center fielder Sal Frelick jumped, got a glove on it, and then — at least it seemed initially — caught it on a bobble.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 13, 2025
At the full-time whistle, there were a smattering of boos from home supporters at Etihad Stadium and a despondent Haaland ripped off his hair bobble and shirt before heading straight down the tunnel.
From BBC • Dec. 26, 2024
And I’m not going to make any excuses for college presidents who bobble this issue.
From Seattle Times • Dec. 17, 2023
I get so excited I let go of the balloons—about a zillion red, yellow, blue, purple, and green rubber globes bobble all over the ceiling.
From "Blended" by Sharon M. Draper
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
