# juggle

/ˈdʒəɡəɫ/ (US) · /dʒˈʌɡəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/juggle
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

to keep several objects in the air at once by catching and throwing them. You can also use this to describe handling many different tasks or responsibilities at the same time.

For teachers: to perform a feat of manual dexterity by keeping several objects in motion in the air simultaneously. Often used figuratively to describe the management of multiple competing tasks or obligations.

## Examples

- He learned to juggle three oranges during the summer break.
- Many working parents have to juggle a full-time career with the demands of raising young children.
- The project manager had to juggle the expectations of the stakeholders while simultaneously navigating a series of unforeseen technical hurdles that threatened the final deadline.

## Usage notes

- The verb is both transitive and intransitive; when used figuratively, it often takes a direct object representing tasks or roles.

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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.