I. ˈfəm-bəl verb
( fum·bled ; fum·bling -b(ə-)liŋ)
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-)lər noun
• fum·bling·ly -b(ə-)liŋ-lē adverb
II. noun
Date: 1634
1. : an act or instance of fumbling
2. : a fumbled ball