bobbed; bobbing
1
: to strike with a quick light blow : rap
2
: to move up and down in a short quick movement
bob the head
3
: to polish with a bob : buff
1
a
: to move up and down briefly or repeatedly
b
: to emerge, arise, or appear suddenly or unexpectedly
2
: to nod or curtsy briefly
3
: to try to seize a suspended or floating object with the teeth
1
a
: a short quick down-and-up motion
b
Scotland
: any of several folk dances
2
obsolete
: a blow or tap especially with the fist
3
a
: a modification of the order in change ringing
b
: a method of change ringing using a bob
4
: a small polishing wheel of solid felt or leather with rounded edges
bobbed; bobbing
bobbed; bobbing
1
: to cut shorter : crop
bob a horse's tail
2
: to cut (hair) in the style of a bob
Synonyms
Examples of bob in a Sentence
Verb (1)
a family of ducks bobbing on the water
he playfully bobbed his brother on the nose to get his attention
Noun (2)
the lassie carried only a little bob on her wedding day
Verb (3)
bobbed her waist-length hair herself on her 18th birthday
Recent Examples on the Web
Dan Sheehan, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2024
Between the jutting concrete pier and the breakwater, a line of boats bobbed gently in the waves.
—Greg Jackson, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024
Marissa Muller, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024
Before committing to a bob, consider factors like face shape, hair texture, and styling commitment.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for bob 
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Verb
Twisted Sister blasts from speakers on the street and the tourists bob their heads along.
—Dan Sheehan, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2024
Between the jutting concrete pier and the breakwater, a line of boats bobbed gently in the waves.
—Greg Jackson, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024
Noun
Simone Biles Simone Biles showcased her new bob with a silver dress that featured ruching on the sides.
—Marissa Muller, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024
Before committing to a bob, consider factors like face shape, hair texture, and styling commitment.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for bob
Articles Related to bob
Dictionary Entries Near bob
Cite this Entry
“Bob.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bob. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
bob
1 of 4 verb
bobbed; bobbing
1
a
: to move or cause to move up and down in a short quick movement
bob the head
a cork bobbing in the water
b
: to appear suddenly or unexpectedly
may bob up anywhere
2
: to grasp or make a grab with the teeth
bob for apples
bob
2 of 4 noun
: a short jerky motion
a bob of the head
bob
3 of 4 nounEtymology
Verb
Middle English boben, bobben "to hit or beat"
Noun
from earlier bob "a knot or twist of yarn or hair," from Middle English bobbe "bunch, cluster"
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