wobble
Americanverb (used without object)
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to incline to one side and to the other alternately, as a wheel, top, or other rotating body when not properly balanced.
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to move unsteadily from side to side.
The table wobbled on its uneven legs.
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to show unsteadiness; tremble; quaver.
His voice wobbled.
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to vacillate; waver.
verb (used with object)
noun
verb
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(intr) to move, rock, or sway unsteadily
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(intr) to tremble or shake
her voice wobbled with emotion
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(intr) to vacillate with indecision
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(tr) to cause to wobble
noun
Other Word Forms
- wobbler noun
Etymology
Origin of wobble
1650–60; < Low German wabbeln; akin to Old Norse vafla to toddle, Middle High German wabelen to waver, Old English wæflian to speak incoherently
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.
Banks’ exposure to private credit caused stocks to wobble in February.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026
Although it appears geologically inactive, Rudolph noted that a subtle wobble in its motion hints at a hidden ocean below.
From Science Daily • Mar. 2, 2026
"The reality of it might be that they wobble and we both fall off."
From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026
Despite the current wobble, relative performance in 2026 has favored the equal weight benchmark.
From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026
His smile widened an inch or two before he gave his arm a little wobble and lifted his lids.
From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx
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.
