First Known Use: 1534
Dictionary
1fumble
verb fum·ble \ˈfəm-bəl\
: to search for something by reaching or touching with your fingers in an awkward or clumsy way
: to handle something in an awkward or clumsy way
sports : to fail to catch or hold the ball
fum·bledfum·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\
Full Definition of FUMBLE
intransitive verb
1
a : to grope for or handle something clumsily or aimlessly b : to make awkward attempts to do or find something <fumbled in his pocket for a coin> c : to search by trial and error d : blunder
2
: to feel one's way or move awkwardly
3
a : to drop or juggle or fail to play cleanly a grounder b : to lose hold of a football while handling or running with it
transitive verb
1
: to bring about by clumsy manipulation
2
a : to feel or handle clumsily b : to deal with in a blundering way : bungle
3
: to make (one's way) in a clumsy manner
4
a : misplay <fumble a grounder> b : to lose hold of (a football) while handling or running
— fum·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun
— fum·bling·ly \-b(ə-)liŋ-lē\ adverb
See fumble defined for English-language learners
See fumble defined for kids
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Origin of FUMBLE
probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Swedish fumla to fumble
Related to FUMBLE
2fumble
noun
Definition of FUMBLE
1
: an act or instance of fumbling
2
: a fumbled ball
First Known Use of FUMBLE
1634
Related to FUMBLE
FUMBLING Defined for Kids
1fumble
verb fum·ble \ˈfəm-bəl\
fum·bledfum·bling
Definition of FUMBLE for Kids
1
: to feel about for or handle something in a clumsy way <He fumbled in his pockets.>
2
: to lose hold of the ball in football
2fumble
noun
Definition of FUMBLE for Kids
: an act of losing hold of the ball in football
Learn More About FUMBLE
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