hubble-bubble

[huhb-uhl-buhb-uhl]

noun

1. a simple form of the hookah, in which the smoke passes through water, causing a bubbling sound.

2. a bubbling sound.

3. an uproar; turmoil.

hubble-bubble

/ ˈhʌbəlˈbʌbəl /

noun

1. another name for hookah

2. hubbub; turmoil

3. a bubbling or gargling sound

Word History and Origins

Origin of hubble-bubble¹

First recorded in 1625–35; rhyming compound based on bubble

Word History and Origins

Origin of hubble-bubble¹

C17: rhyming jingle based on _bubble

Example Sentences

And there, as we now see, the AKP government, rigging the terms of trade backstage, has brought a hubble-bubble of shame and trouble on itself.

Read more on The Guardian

In the hubble-bubble the pipe is so contrived that the water in the bowl makes a bubbling noise while the pipe is being smoked.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

He must have been in no hurry to leave this spot, where he dreamily puffed at his hubble-bubble and watched the play of the fountain.

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The restrictions include the nargile, or hubble-bubble pipe, which is popular among locals and tourists.

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We crawled up in front of a coffee-house where a lot of turbans and fezzes were gathered outside, over tiny cups and hubble-bubble pipes; then we stopped.

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Related Words

• plumbing 
• water main