verb
Common
bob
bob
Bob (verb) means to move up and down repeatedly, especially near the surface of water. Example: “The buoy bobbed gently on the waves.”
verb
1
To move up and down repeatedly, especially near the surface of water.
"The buoy bobbed gently on the waves."
"Her ponytail bobbed as she jogged."
"Apples bobbed in the big tub of water at the party."
noun
1
A short haircut where the hair is cut evenly around the head, roughly to jaw or shoulder length.
"She got a chic bob before starting her new job."
"The hairdresser suggested a short bob because it would suit her round face."
"He admired her sleek bob as she stepped off the train."
2
British informal: a shilling, or more generally a small amount of money.
"It only cost a few bob back then."
"He didn't have a bob to his name."
"That old coat must have cost him a bob or two."
How to use bob
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo move up and down repeatedly; also a short haircut, or old British slang for money.
Common pairings
bob up and down
get a bob (haircut)
a few bob
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Word forms
- Plural
- bobs
- Third person singular
- bobs
- Past tense
- bobbed
Fill the gap
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She got a chic _____ before starting her new job.
Etymology
From Middle English bobben, "to strike or shake," of uncertain deeper origin.
Related words
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.
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