fumbled; fumbling
ˈfəm-b(ə-)liŋ 
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
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
Synonyms
Examples of fumble in a Sentence
Verb
She fumbled in her pocket for her keys.
They fumbled a good opportunity to take control of the market.
He was hit hard and fumbled on the 20-yard line.
He fumbled the ball on the 20-yard line.
Noun
played the entire piano piece without a single fumble
Recent Examples on the Web
Ryan McFadden, The Denver Post, 29 Oct. 2024
Even in that moment, he got stuck on a couple of words and fumbled the line.
—Abc News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2024
Elliott Teaford, Orange County Register, 10 Nov. 2024
For the Colts, meanwhile, a fumble ended one drive and a missed field goal another.
—Andrew Greif, NBC News, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fumble 
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Verb
After wide receiver Courtland Sutton fumbled at the goal line, the Panthers marched down the field on a 10-play, 98-yard scoring drive, which ended with Young finding Coker for a 15-yard touchdown pass.
—Ryan McFadden, The Denver Post, 29 Oct. 2024
Even in that moment, he got stuck on a couple of words and fumbled the line.
—Abc News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2024
Noun
The fourth misfire was initially ruled a fumble that led to a Titans touchdown, but it was later overturned by video replay and ruled an incomplete pass.
—Elliott Teaford, Orange County Register, 10 Nov. 2024
For the Colts, meanwhile, a fumble ended one drive and a missed field goal another.
—Andrew Greif, NBC News, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fumble
Dictionary Entries Near fumble
Cite this Entry
“Fumble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fumble. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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