bobble

[ bob-uhl ]

noun

1. a repeated, jerky movement; bob.
2. a momentary fumbling or juggling of a batted or thrown baseball.
3. an error; mistake.
4. 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)

, bob·bled, bob·bling.

1. to juggle or fumble (a batted or thrown baseball) momentarily, usually resulting in an error.

bobble

/ ˈbɒbəl /

noun

1. a short jerky motion, as of a cork floating on disturbed water; bobbing movement
2. a tufted ball, usually for ornament, as on a knitted hat
3. any small dangling ball or bundle

verb

1. intr sport (of a ball) to bounce with a rapid erratic motion due to an uneven playing surface
2. informal.
   to handle (something) ineptly; muff; bungle

   he bobbled the ball and lost the game

Word History and Origins

Origin of bobble¹

1805–15; bob ¹ + -le; bobble ( def 4 ) perhaps new formation with bob ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of bobble¹

C19: from bob ¹(vb)

Example Sentences

“For hoodies we look at pilling, which are the small bobbles that form on fabric.”

From BBC

But on what would have been a tricky double play, the Dodgers failed to record any outs, with Gavin Lux bobbling the ball at second base to let in a run, making it 2-0.

From Los Angeles Times

But after that first bobble in the finals, he kept trying the same trick.

From Los Angeles Times

With two on and two out, Heyward lined a double into center field that easily scored Will Smith from second, and was bobbled by the Rangers’ Leody Taveras in center field.

From Los Angeles Times

Anyone watching that game knows that there were at least five Clark assists left on the floor, as blown layups and bobbled catches from fellow Fever players sullied her stat line.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• bumble
• bungle
• err
• flub
• fumble
• miscalculate
• mishandle
• misjudge
• mismanage
• muff
• screw up