First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1bounce
verb \ˈbau̇n(t)s\
: to cause (a ball, rock, etc.) to hit against a surface and quickly move in a different and usually opposite direction
: to move in one direction, hit a surface (such as a wall or the floor), and then quickly move in a different and usually opposite direction
: to move with a lot of energy and excitement
bouncedbounc·ing
Full Definition of BOUNCE
transitive verb
2
: to cause to rebound or be reflected <bounce a ball> <bounce a light ray off a reflector>
3
4
: to issue (a check) drawn on an account with insufficient funds
5
: to present (as an idea) to another person to elicit comments or to gain approval —usually used with off
intransitive verb
1
: to rebound or reflect after striking a surface (as the ground)
2
: to recover from a blow or a defeat quickly —usually used with back
3
: to be returned by a bank because of insufficient funds in a checking account <his checks bounce>
4
a : to leap suddenly : bound b : to walk with springing steps
5
: to hit a baseball so that it hits the ground before it reaches an infielder
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Origin of BOUNCE
Middle English bounsen
2bounce
noun
: the act or action of bouncing off the ground or another surface
: the ability to move quickly in a different direction after hitting a surface : the ability to bounce
: a quality that makes a person's hair look healthy, full, and attractive : a bouncy quality
Full Definition of BOUNCE
2
: bluster
3
: verve, liveliness
See bounce defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BOUNCE
1523
Related to BOUNCE
BOUNCE Defined for Kids
1bounce
verb \ˈbau̇ns\
bouncedbounc·ing
Definition of BOUNCE for Kids
1
: to spring back or up after hitting a surface <The ball bounced into the street.>
2
: to cause to spring back <bounce a ball>
3
: to jump or move up and down <bouncing on a bed> <Her curls bounced as she walked.>
4
: to leap suddenly <The children bounced out of their seats.>
2bounce
noun
Definition of BOUNCE for Kids
1
: the action of springing back after hitting something
2
: a sudden leap
— bouncy adjective
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