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
Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024
Buccaneers recover Rohan Nadkarni Travis Kelce fumbles after a short reception, and the Buccaneers recover!
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 5 Nov. 2024
Jacob Lev, CNN, 22 Nov. 2024
The Packers trailed 27-0 at halftime, as Rodgers threw two interceptions, lost a fumble and were never in the game in the second half.
—Rob Reischel, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fumble 
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Verb
Because all that most people remember is Musk fumbling through lines while dressed as Wario.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024
Buccaneers recover Rohan Nadkarni Travis Kelce fumbles after a short reception, and the Buccaneers recover!
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett was a constant thorn in Pittsburgh’s side throughout the first half, with the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year going into the break with three sacks and a forced fumble.
—Jacob Lev, CNN, 22 Nov. 2024
The Packers trailed 27-0 at halftime, as Rodgers threw two interceptions, lost a fumble and were never in the game in the second half.
—Rob Reischel, Forbes, 20 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 28 Nov. 2024.
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