26984 words

bubbles

11 definitions • 19 examples
1
a ball of gas that appears in a liquid, or a ball formed of air surrounded by liquid that floats in the air:

Examples:

As water begins to boil, bubbles rise to the surface.
I love champagne - I think it's the bubbles that make it so good.
2
3
a situation in which you only experience things that you expect or find easy to deal with, for example opinions you agree with, or people who are similar to you:

Examples:

The candidate liked to talk to ordinary people to get a fix on what was happening outside his bubble.
On social media we all tend to live in our bubbles, where everyone feels the same way we do.
4
a group of people who have a lot of contact with each other but limited contact with people outside the group, for example as a way to avoid spreading disease:

Examples:

The plan was based on the principle of keeping school classes apart in separate bubbles.
UK The government said that people living alone could join up with one other household to create a support bubble.
5
to produce bubbles:

Examples:

bubble away We could hear the soup bubbling away (= bubbling strongly) in the pot.
The pizza is done when the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
6

Examples:

bubble with He was like a schoolboy, constantly bubbling with enthusiasm and new ideas.
7
to be in or put people into a group who have a lot of contact with each other but limited contact with people outside the group, for example as a way to avoid spreading disease:

Examples:

Is it safe to bubble with my elderly parents during the pandemic?
A decision was taken to bubble the cast and crew.
8
a ball of air in a liquid or on its surface, or in the air:

Examples:

When water begins to boil, small bubbles form around the edge of the pot.
9
to produce bubbles:

Examples:

The water in the pot began to bubble.
fig. We were bubbling with excitement as we watched the Olympic flame being lit.
10
a temporary period when a lot of people invest in a stock, property, or a product that becomes much more expensive than its real value:

Examples:

After the tech bubble burst, few investors were willing to put their money into developing companies.
11
a period of great success, which usually ends very suddenly:

Examples:

Economists fear that the economic bubble will pop and lead to a new recession.

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