# dribble

/ˈdɹɪbəɫ/ (US) · /dɹˈɪbəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dribble
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

to move a ball forward by hitting it or kicking it many times. In basketball, you bounce the ball; in soccer, you use your feet to keep it close while you run.

For teachers: to advance a ball by means of repeated small kicks or bounces. In basketball, the action is performed with the hand; in association football, it involves controlled touches with the feet while maintaining possession.

## Examples

- He learned to dribble the ball with his left hand.
- The striker managed to dribble past three defenders before taking a shot at the goal.
- Elite players demonstrate exceptional close control, allowing them to dribble through congested areas of the pitch without losing momentum or sight of their teammates' positions.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive when referring to the ball and intransitive when describing the player's movement.

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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.