fumble
verb (used without object)
to feel or grope about clumsily.
fumbled
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past participleof fumble.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof fumble.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
fumbleverb (used without object)to feel or grope about clumsily.
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.
Over the course of four minutes, the robot fumbled with the towel’s floppy and unwieldy shape as it slowly smoothed out the fabric, located the corners and lined up the edges.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 16, 2026
Then, in overtime, the Bills were on the verge of scoring on their first drive when Cook fumbled.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2026
The Giants scored two late touchdowns to force overtime but, when within range of a winning field goal, they ran the ball with Cam Skattebo, who fumbled to lose possession.
From BBC ● Oct. 12, 2026
Their first pass, a completion to tight end Charlie Kolar, was fumbled away.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 11, 2026
He fumbled for the call button that hung on the headboard and pushed it.
From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret
