bob
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for bob, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To move up and down repeatedly, especially near the surface of water.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use bob
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English bobben, "to strike or shake," of uncertain deeper origin.
Full origin of bob →Frequently asked questions
What does “bob” mean?
The word “bob” means to move up and down repeatedly, especially near the surface of water. In plain terms, to move up and down repeatedly; also a short haircut, or old British slang for money.
How do you pronounce “bob”?
“Bob” is pronounced bob (/bɑb/ in IPA).
How do you use “bob” in a sentence?
Here is “bob” used in a sentence: “The buoy bobbed gently on the waves.”
What part of speech is “bob”?
Depending on how it is used, “bob” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “bob” come from?
The word “bob” comes from Middle English. From Middle English bobben, "to strike or shake," of uncertain deeper origin.
Is “bob” a common word?
“Bob” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “bob” have?
“Bob” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to move up and down repeatedly, especially near the surface of water.
What is an example of bob (verb)?
A cork bobbing on the water is the classic example — it rides up and down as small waves pass. A boat bobs at anchor, an apple bobs in a tub, and a fishing float bobs when a fish bites. The motion is light, repeated, and usually gentle.
What is the difference between bob and float?
To float is to rest on the surface of a liquid without sinking, and it can be perfectly still. To bob is to move up and down repeatedly while floating. Something can float without bobbing, but it can't bob without also floating. Bobbing adds motion to floating.
Does bob only apply to water?
No. While bobbing is most associated with objects on water, the verb describes any quick up-and-down movement. People bob their heads to music, a runner's ponytail bobs, and a person can bob down to duck out of sight. Water is simply the most familiar setting.