n.
Pronunciation: ' f ə m-b ə l
Function: verb
Inflected Form: fum · bled ; fum · bling \ -b( ə -)li ŋ \
Etymology: probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Swedish fumla to fumble
Date: 1534
intransitive verb
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
transitive verb
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
– fum · bler \ -b( ə -)l ə r \ noun
– fum · bling · ly \ -b( ə -)li ŋ -l ē \ adverb