bounced; bouncing
2
: to cause to rebound or be reflected
bounce a ball
bounce a light ray off a reflector
3
4
: to issue (a check) drawn on an account with insufficient funds
5
: to present (something, such as an idea) to another person to elicit comments or to gain approval
—usually used with off
6
: to return (an email) to the sender with notification of failed delivery
Other potential authors proved simply too hard to reach. E-mails got bounced back, and many phone calls never went through.—Clark Boyd
1
: to rebound or reflect after striking a surface (such as the ground)
2
: to recover from a blow or a defeat quickly
—usually used with back
3
: to be returned by a bank because of insufficient funds in a checking account
His checks bounced.
4
a
: to leap suddenly : bound
b
: to walk with springing steps
5
: to hit a baseball so that it hits the ground before it reaches an infielder
6
of an email
: to return to the sender with notification of failed delivery
Gonzalez had the wrong addresses for the local executives, and his emails bounced back.—David Wenner
7
: to go quickly and usually repeatedly from one place, situation, job, etc., to another
The story bounces from one parallel universe to the next …—Digby Diehl
In the past year, he's been the most visible rapper in the world, bouncing around the globe …—Christian Hoard
plural bounces
1
: the act or action of bouncing off the ground or another surface : a rebound off a surface
caught the ball on the second bounce
… his liner … to right-center took an odd bounce off the wall.—Rob Maaddi
2
: a sudden increase or improvement in rating or value
As Gore rode his post-convention bounce, the media started eyeballing Bush for signs of anxiety.—Michelle Cottle
3
: a lively or energetic quality : verve, liveliness
full of bounce and enthusiasm
still has plenty of bounce in his step
4
: bluster sense 3
In William II the bullying spirit has developed into bounce and swagger …—E. H. C. Oliphant
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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