Bobbing: meaning, definitions and examples

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bobbing

[ˈbɑːbɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

sea activity

The act of moving up and down in a body of water, typically the ocean, in a rhythmic motion. It can be caused by waves, currents, or deliberate action.

Synonyms

floating, rocking, swaying.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bobbing	This word is often used to describe a quick, up-and-down motion, usually on the surface of the water. It can also describe a similar motion in other contexts like light movements of one's head. The apple was bobbing in the water during the game She kept bobbing her head to the rhythm of the music
floating	This word describes something that stays on the surface of a liquid without sinking. It indicates a more stable and steady position compared to 'bobbing'. The leaves were floating gently on the surface of the pond He lay on his back, floating in the pool
rocking	This word refers to a swaying motion back and forth, often used in the context of cradles or chairs. It conveys a soothing, rhythmic movement. The old chair was rocking slowly on the porch She was rocking the baby to sleep
swaying	This word is used to describe a slow, side-to-side motion. It can be used for trees in the wind, people dancing, or anything that gently moves left and right. The trees were swaying in the breeze They were swaying to the beat of the music

Examples of usage

The boat's gentle bobbing was soothing to the passengers.
The bobbing of the buoy indicated the strength of the tide.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

hairstyle

A hairstyle where the hair is cut short and styled into a round shape, often with curls or waves. Popularized in the 1920s.

Synonyms

bobcut, flapper style, short hairstyle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bobbing	Use 'bobbing' when referring to the act of moving up and down repeatedly. It is commonly used in the context of objects or people in water, or any oscillating motion. The buoy was bobbing gently in the waves. The child was bobbing his head to the music.

Word

Description / Examples

bobbing

Use 'bobbing' when referring to the act of moving up and down repeatedly. It is commonly used in the context of objects or people in water, or any oscillating motion.

The buoy was bobbing gently in the waves.
The child was bobbing his head to the music.

Examples of usage

Her bobbing hair framed her face beautifully.
She decided to get a bobbing haircut for a fresh look.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

fishing technique

The act of moving a baited fishing line up and down in the water to attract fish. It is a method commonly used in angling.

Synonyms

angling, dipping, trolling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bobbing	Used to describe a light, up-and-down movement, often in water or when someone nods their head rhythmically. The boat was bobbing gently on the waves She kept bobbing her head to the music
angling	Refers specifically to the sport or hobby of fishing with a rod and line. John spends his weekends angling at the local lake
dipping	Describes a brief, downward movement, especially into a liquid, or a temporary decrease. The bird was dipping its beak into the water He kept dipping his fries into the ketchup
trolling	Used in fishing to describe dragging a baited line through the water. In a negative context, often used to describe provocative or disruptive behavior on the internet. We spent the afternoon trolling for salmon He got banned from the forum for trolling other users

Examples of usage

He was bobbing for trout in the clear stream.
She bobbed the lure in the water to mimic a struggling insect.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'bobbing' originates from the Old English word 'bōbban', which means to bounce or sway.
Historically, 'bob' was also used in fishing, referring to how fish hooks would float up and down in water.

Pop Culture

In the 90s, the popular animated show 'The Magic School Bus' featured a memorable episode where students experienced bobbing under the ocean.
The dance move called the 'bop' is a fun, rhythmic movement that resembles the bobbing motion.

Science

Bobbing can be observed in nature; for example, like the way jellyfish float and move in ocean currents.
In physics, bobbing is a demonstration of buoyancy, where an object in water moves up and down based on density differences.

Sports

In water sports, bobbing is a technique used by swimmers to stay afloat while catching their breath.
Bobbing is also common in activities like bob sledding, where competitors experience thrilling ups and downs on icy tracks.

Literature

In children's literature, characters often bob in and out of danger or excitement, like in 'Alice in Wonderland' where perspectives often shift rapidly.
The playful imagery of bobbing can be seen in poetic forms, symbolizing the lightness of being and joy.

Translations

Translations of the word "bobbing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 balançando

🇮🇳 डोलना

🇩🇪 wippend

🇮🇩 mengangguk-angguk

🇺🇦 гойдання

🇵🇱 kiwanie

🇯🇵 上下に動く

🇫🇷 se balancer

🇪🇸 balanceo

🇹🇷 sallanma

🇰🇷 흔들림

🇸🇦 تأرجح

🇨🇿 houpání

🇸🇰 hojdať sa

🇨🇳 上下摆动

🇸🇮 zibanje

🇮🇸 vagg

🇰🇿 тербелу

🇬🇪 რყევა

🇦🇿 tərpənmək

🇲🇽 balanceo

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,048, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
21045 obscuring
21046 cloudless
21047 nip
21048 bobbing
21049 verdant
21050 attractively
21051 multifarious
...