Fumble

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ÊŒmbÉ™l

Origin

Origin uncertain; perhaps from a Scandinavian source. Compare Old Norse falma, Swedish fumla, Danish fumle, German fummeln.

Full definition of fumble

Verb

1. (transitive, intransitive) To idly touch or nervously handleWaiting for the interview, he fumbled with his tie.He fumbled the key into the lock.
• 2010, December 28, Owen Phillips, Sunderland 0 - 2 Blackpool, Henderson's best strike on goal saw goalkeeper Kingson uncomfortably fumble his measured shot around the post.
2. (transitive, intransitive) To grope awkwardly in trying to find somethingHe fumbled for his keys.He fumbled his way to the light-switch.
• FieldingAdams now began to fumble in his pockets.
3. (intransitive) To blunder uncertainly.He fumbled through his prepared speech.
4. To grope about in perplexity; to seek awkwardly.to fumble for an excuse
• ChesterfieldMy understanding flutters and my memory fumbles.
• WordsworthAlas! how he fumbles about the domains.
5. (transitive, intransitive, sports) To drop a ball or a baton etc.
6. To handle much; to play childishly; to turn over and over.
• ShakespeareI saw him fumble with the sheets, and play with flowers.

Noun

1. (sports) A ball etc. that has been dropped