juggle

[ juhg-uhl ]

verb (used with object)

, jug·gled, jug·gling.

1. to keep (several objects, as balls, plates, tenpins, or knives) in continuous motion in the air simultaneously by tossing and catching.
2. to hold, catch, carry, or balance precariously; almost drop and then catch hold again:

   The center fielder juggled the ball but finally made the catch.

3. to alter or manipulate in order to deceive, as by subterfuge or trickery:

   to juggle the business accounts; to juggle the facts.

4. to manage or alternate the requirements of (two or more tasks, responsibilities, activities, etc.) so as to handle each adequately:

   to juggle the obligations of job and school.

verb (used without object)

, jug·gled, jug·gling.

1. to perform feats of manual or bodily dexterity, as tossing up and keeping in continuous motion a number of balls, plates, knives, etc.
2. to use artifice or trickery.

noun

1. the act or fact of juggling.

juggle

/ ˈdʒʌɡəl /

verb

1. to throw and catch (several objects) continuously so that most are in the air all the time, as an entertainment
2. to arrange or manipulate (facts, figures, etc) so as to give a false or misleading picture
3. tr to keep (several activities) in progress, esp with difficulty

noun

1. an act of juggling

Derived Forms

• ˈjugglery, noun

Other Words From

• juggling·ly adverb
• outjuggle verb (used with object) outjuggled outjuggling
• un·juggled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of juggle¹

1350–1400; Middle English jog ( e ) len < Old French jogler to serve as buffoon or jester < Late Latin joculāre to joke (replacing Latin joculārī ), equivalent to Latin jocul ( us ) ( joc ( us ) joke + -ulus -ule ) + -āre infinitive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of juggle¹

C14: from Old French jogler to perform as a jester, from Latin joculārī to jest, from jocus a jest

Example Sentences

In a step up from his feature writing-directing debut, 2022’s “When You Finish Saving the World,” Eisenberg furthers himself here as a distinctive voice, one with a keen visual sense, a masterful ability to juggle tones and an innate feel for timing and pacing.

From Los Angeles Times

The burger chain turned to Miso after realizing workers assigned to the drive-through and fry station had to juggle multiple responsibilities and orders.

From Los Angeles Times

Responding to his comments, Conservative MP Victoria Atkins said: "This is the 2020s, not the 1950s - all working mums and dads juggle family, career and general life."

From BBC

"There are so many pressures coming in from all different sides. Whether it's not being able to put food on the table, skipping a meal so your kids can eat, trying to juggle multiple part-time jobs that aren't giving you enough hours to get the benefits you need."

From Salon

A second quickly followed when flanker Du Toit leapt over the ruck to expertly ground the ball after a slight juggle.

From BBC

Related Words

• alter
• shuffle