gambol

[ gam-buhl ]

verb (used without object)

, gam·boled, gam·bol·ing or (especially British) gam·bolled, gam·bol·ling.

1. to skip about, as in dancing or playing; frolic.

   Synonyms: romp, frisk, caper, spring

noun

1. a skipping or frisking about; frolic.

gambol

/ ˈɡæmbəl /

verb

1. intr to skip or jump about in a playful manner; frolic

noun

1. a playful antic; frolic

Word History and Origins

Origin of gambol¹

1495–1505; earlier gambold, gambald, gamba(u)de, from Middle French gambade, variant of gambado ²( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of gambol¹

C16: from French gambade; see gambado ², jamb

Example Sentences

He is currently gamboling around my feet while our older dog, Koda, looks on with a combination of suspicion and hope, like he can’t quite believe what he’s seeing.

From Los Angeles Times

With trees swaying in the gentle breeze and birds and butterflies gamboling in the setting sun, it would be foolish not to fall into sportive line.

From Los Angeles Times

On its spine fleurs-de-lis alternate with gamboling dolphins, while its cover bears the arms of Louis XIV’s heir, the Grand Dauphin.

From New York Times

When he collapses into a crumpled heap of disjointed limbs, or gambols triumphantly to a playground refrain, his figure demonstrates operatic feeling with delicate precision.

From New York Times

For California’s governor, who loves gamboling on a national stage, the whole evening was a lark.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cavort
• frolic
• prance