bobbing
word · lemma: bob
Definition
Moving quickly up and down or side to side, often lightly or repeatedly, like something floating on water.
Usage & Nuances
Often describes repeated, gentle up-down or side-to-side movement, especially on water or for small objects (like a ball, head, or boat). Common in both literal and figurative contexts. Less formal; usually appears in descriptive writing or speech.
Spanish: moviéndose arriba y abajo - balanceándosePortuguese (BR): balançando - boiandoPortuguese (PT): balançando - flutuandoChinese (Simplified): 上下晃动 - 浮动Chinese (Traditional): 上下晃動 - 浮動Hindi: ऊपर-नीचे डोलना - लहरानाArabic: يتأرجح صعودًا وهبوطًا - يطفو
Example Sentences
She was bobbing her head to the music.
basic
The apple was bobbing in the water.
basic
The small boat was bobbing up and down on the waves.
basic
I saw balloons bobbing in the breeze at the festival.
natural
He walked into the room, his hat bobbing on his head.
natural
There were ducks bobbing on the pond, looking for food.
natural