bobble

1 of 2

verb

bob·​ble ˈbä-bəl How to pronounce bobble (audio)
bobbled; bobbling ˈbä-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce bobble (audio)

bobble

2 of 2

noun

1
: a repeated bobbing movement
2
: a small ball of fabric
especially : one in a series used on an edging
3
: error, mistake
especially : a mishandling of the ball in baseball or football

Examples of bobble in a Sentence

Verb The catcher bobbled the ball. the first baseman bobbled the catch, so the runner was safe Noun a bobble that cost them the game The curtains have a series of bobbles along the edge.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
And Dart was picked off twice in the practice: once by Tre Hawkins down the sideline and again by Makari Paige on a pass bobbled by Zach Pascal. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025 Xander Bogaerts began the bottom of the fifth with a walk and went to third when right fielder Jo Adell bobbled, ever-so-slightly, a single by Jake Cronenworth. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2025
Noun
The Adames bobble, and other items, were added to the following season’s promotional schedule. Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025 Miguel Vargas made a slight bobble, leading to no chance for a play at the plate, and then decided to throw to first. Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for bobble

Word History

Etymology

Verb

frequentative of bob entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bobble was in 1812

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bobble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bobble. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

bobble

verb
bob·​ble
ˈbäb-əl
bobbled; bobbling
ˈbäb-(ə-)liŋ
1
2
: to handle in a clumsy or unsure way : fumble
bobble noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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