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.

From 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.

From 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.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From BBC

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.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• plumbing
• water main