# bobble

/ˈbɔbəɫ/ (US) · /bˈɒbəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bobble
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

a small soft ball of wool on a hat or jumper. In sports you also use it for a short mistake when you almost drop the ball.

For teachers: a small rounded tuft of wool or fabric, often on a hat; in sports, a brief mishandling of the ball before control is regained.

## Examples

- My winter hat has a soft white bobble.
- The shortstop has a bobble on the grounder but still throws the runner out.
- Despite a bobble on the icy pavement of her morning run, her hat's bright bobble stayed visible through the falling snow.

## Synonyms

mistake, pompom

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.