dribbling
word · lemma: dribble
Definition
The act of repeatedly bouncing or moving a ball with small touches while keeping control, especially in sports like basketball and soccer. Also, letting liquid, like saliva, fall from your mouth slowly.
Usage & Nuances
Used mainly in sports contexts for ball control, e.g., 'dribbling the ball'. In informal contexts, refers to saliva coming from the mouth, especially with babies or older people. Often confused with 'drooling'—'dribbling' is broader, while 'drooling' only means saliva.
Example Sentences
She is dribbling water out of her mouth.
basic
The baby started dribbling during lunch.
basic
He is dribbling the ball down the court.
basic
He's got amazing dribbling skills on the soccer field.
natural
Grandpa sometimes starts dribbling when he laughs too hard.
natural
Defenders struggled to stop his fast dribbling all game.
natural