bob

Definition

To move gently and vertically, in either a single motion or repeatedly up and down, at or near the surface of a body of water, or similar medium.

Etymology

From Middle English bobben (“to strike, beat, shake, jog”), of uncertain origin. Compare Scots bob (“to mark, dance with a bobbing motion”), Icelandic boppa (“to wave up and down”), Swedish bobba (“to bob”), Dutch dobberen ("bobbing").

Example Sentences

• "The cork bobbed gently in the calm water."
• "The ball, which we had thought lost, suddenly bobbed up out of the water."
• "The flowers were bobbing in the wind."