fumbled; fumbling
ˈfəm-b(ə-)liŋ 
1
a
: to grope for or handle something clumsily or aimlessly
b
: to make awkward attempts to do or find something
fumbled in his pocket for a coin
c
: to search by trial and error
d
: blunder
2
: to feel one's way or move awkwardly
3
a
: to drop or juggle or fail to play cleanly a grounder
b
: to lose hold of a football while handling or running with it
1
: to bring about by clumsy manipulation
2
a
: to feel or handle clumsily
b
: to deal with in a blundering way : bungle
3
: to make (one's way) in a clumsy manner
4
a
: misplay
fumble a grounder
b
: to lose hold of (a football) while handling or running
Examples of fumble in a Sentence
Verb
She fumbled in her pocket for her keys.
They fumbled a good opportunity to take control of the market.
He was hit hard and fumbled on the 20-yard line.
He fumbled the ball on the 20-yard line.
Noun
played the entire piano piece without a single fumble
Recent Examples on the Web
Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2025
For example, if an officer sees someone swerving, fumbling with items, or clearly not paying attention to the road, the interior light might factor into a citation for reckless or inattentive driving.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 May 2025
Todd Spangler, Variety, 15 May 2025
However, a fourth quarter fumble changed the momentum of the game.
—Dj Siddiqi, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fumble
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Verb
The stress of getting to your airport gate on time, coupled with the excitement of getting to your destination, can cause even the most seasoned of travelers to fumble at security checkpoints.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2025
For example, if an officer sees someone swerving, fumbling with items, or clearly not paying attention to the road, the interior light might factor into a citation for reckless or inattentive driving.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 May 2025
Noun
The latest name change is an attempt to correct one of corporate America’s biggest branding fumbles, behind only to Elon Musk rechristening Twitter as X, said branding expert David Aaker, vice chairman at Prophet, a business strategy and marketing consulting firm.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 15 May 2025
However, a fourth quarter fumble changed the momentum of the game.
—Dj Siddiqi, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fumble
Cite this Entry
“Fumble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fumble. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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