Bobble: meaning, definitions and examples

🎩

Add to dictionary

bobble

[ˈbɒb.əl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in fashion

A small ball or tuft of fabric, typically on a garment or a hat.

Synonyms

knob, pompom, tassel.

Examples of usage

The beanie hat had a cute bobble on top.
The sweater had colorful bobbles on the sleeves.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in sports

To mishandle or fumble the ball in a sports game, especially in baseball or cricket.

Synonyms

drop, fumble, mishandle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bobble	This word is often used in sports, especially in American football, to describe a momentary loss of control of the ball that is quickly recovered. The receiver bobbled the ball but managed to secure it before it hit the ground. In the excitement, she bobbled the catch but didn't drop it.
fumble	This word is also commonly used in sports contexts, particularly in American football. It signifies an awkward or clumsy attempt to handle or hold onto an object, often leading to losing control of it. The quarterback fumbled the snap, and the opposing team recovered the ball. He fumbled with the phone, nearly dropping it.
mishandle	This term is used in more formal or serious contexts and implies poor or incompetent handling of something, often with negative consequences. It can describe actions both physical and metaphorical. The company mishandled sensitive customer data, leading to a significant breach. She mishandled the package, and it arrived damaged.
drop	This word is more general and can be used in various situations to describe something falling or being let go from one's grasp. It often implies complete loss of possession. She dropped her keys on the way to the car. The player dropped the ball, resulting in a turnover.

Examples of usage

The outfielder bobbled the ball, allowing the runner to advance.
The fielder bobbled the catch, resulting in a dropped ball.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'bobble' is believed to originate from the word 'bob', which means to move quickly up and down.
First recorded use of the word in print was in the early 20th century, relating to toys and objects that shake.
The playful sound of 'bobble' mimics the action it describes, making it a fitting example of onomatopoeia.

Pop Culture

Bobbleheaded figures have become popular collectibles, often portraying celebrities and sports stars.
In films and TV shows, characters with bobbleheads are often used for comic relief or to symbolize lightheartedness.
The 'Bobble' hairstyle during the 80s was a trend characterized by tight curls that appeared to 'bobble' with movement.

Games and Sports

In sports, 'bobbling' a ball means to momentarily lose control of it, often leading to entertaining and chaotic plays.
Bobblehead night is a common promotional event in major league sports, where fans receive bobblehead dolls of players.
In video games, a 'bobble' often refers to animated characters that jerk or bounce, enhancing the playful feel of the game.

Science

In physics, 'bobbling' can describe particles in a liquid that move up and down due to buoyancy.
Study of 'bobble' effects in acoustics helps understand sound waves in various environments, illustrating how vibrations travel.
Bobbling behavior is observed in some animals during mating rituals, where they move up and down to attract attention.

Literature

In children's literature, characters might 'bobble' as a way to express their joy or excitement during a story.
The use of 'bobble' in poetry can evoke feelings of playfulness and whimsy, often used to characterize playful movement.
In classic children's tales, bobbling objects often symbolize magic, highlighting the fantastical nature of the story.

Translations

Translations of the word "bobble" in other languages:

🇵🇹 balançar

🇮🇳 हिलना

🇩🇪 wackeln

🇮🇩 goyang

🇺🇦 трястися

🇵🇱 kiwać się

🇯🇵 ガタガタ揺れる

🇫🇷 osciller

🇪🇸 mecer

🇹🇷 sallanmak

🇰🇷 흔들리다

🇸🇦 يهتز

🇨🇿 kývat se

🇸🇰 kymácať sa

🇨🇳 摇晃

🇸🇮 zibati se

🇮🇸 vagga

🇰🇿 тербелу

🇬🇪 ქანაობა

🇦🇿 titrəmək

🇲🇽 mecer

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,463, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

...
38460 remixing
38461 shebang
38462 hoarfrost
38463 bobble
38464 escarole
38465 ascendent
38466 excremental
...