Bubbles: meaning, definitions and examples

Used figuratively to describe a temporary, often fragile situation or a person’s isolated perspective.

• The housing market bubble burst, causing a financial crisis.
• She lives in her own bubble, unaware of what's happening around her.

A perfectly round 3D object, used in more formal or mathematical settings.

• The Earth is approximately a sphere.
• The artist crafted a sphere out of stone.

A small spherical mass, often used in technical, scientific contexts to describe small balls of substance like fat or oil.

• Globules of oil floated on the surface of the water.
• Milk contains tiny fat globules.

A very small drop of liquid, often used in scientific or medical contexts.

• The scientist observed the droplet under the microscope.
• Raindrops fell in tiny droplets on the windowpane.

Used to describe small air pockets in a liquid. Often used in everyday contexts like bathing, cooking, or describing a fizzy drink.

• The children had fun popping the bubbles in the bathtub.
• When you boil water, bubbles start to form at the bottom.
• I love the bubbles in sparkling water.

Commonly used for the sound or sensation of bubbles in carbonated beverages. Informal and colloquial.

• There was a satisfying fizz when I opened the soda can.
• I enjoy the fizz of a cold lemonade on a hot day.

Used to describe the bright and shimmering look of small bubbles, often metaphorically to describe something lively or attractive. Can imply a positive quality.

• The champagne had a lovely sparkle to it.
• Her eyes had a sparkle that lit up the room.

Best used in scientific or formal contexts to describe the process or quality of a liquid giving off bubbles. It can also figuratively describe a lively personality.

• The effervescence of the chemical reaction was fascinating to observe.
• Her effervescence made her the life of the party.

To describe a situation full of excitement or effervescence, often used metaphorically.

• Her laughter bubbled up, spreading joy to everyone around
• The project team's enthusiasm was bubbling over as they brainstormed ideas

To describe something that shines with small flashes of light or to describe someone's lively and energetic demeanor.

• The diamond sparkled under the sunlight
• Her eyes sparkled with excitement when she heard the news

To describe a continuous, low sound, typically made by insects, machinery, or people talking quietly all at once. It can also describe an atmosphere filled with excitement and activity.

• The buzz of the bees in the garden was soothing
• There was a buzz in the room as everyone waited for the announcement

When something moves back and forth or up and down rapidly, often used for describing motions of mechanical objects or devices like phones.

• The phone began to vibrate on the table
• The loud music made the windows vibrate