26984 words

fumble

7 definitions • 11 examples
1
to do something awkwardly, especially when using your hands:

Examples:

fumble with I fumbled with the lock.
fumble in something for something He fumbled in his pockets for some change.
fumble around She fumbled around in her handbag, looking for her key.
fumble about UK She fumbled about in her handbag, looking for her key.
They fumbled about (= moved awkwardly) in the dark, trying to find their way out of the cinema.
2
in sport, to fail to hold on to the ball:

Examples:

fumble a catch If Wilson hadn't fumbled that catch, we might have won the match.
3
to have difficulty saying or thinking of suitable words:

Examples:

fumble for I was fumbling for the right word.
4
an act of doing something awkwardly, especially when using your hands:

Examples:

After a brief fumble in her handbag, she produced a clean handkerchief.
5
especially in football, an occasion when someone fails to hold on to the ball:

Examples:

Austin recovered the fumble and ran into the end zone for a touchdown.
6
to feel around awkwardly, esp. with your hands:

Examples:

[ I ] Jack fumbled in his pocket for the keys.
[ I ] My mind went blank, and I began to fumble for words.
7
In some sports, esp. football, if you fumble the ball you fail to hold it after touching or carrying it.

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