Meaning

(intransitive) To change the direction of motion after hitting an obstacle..

Definitions by Sense

1. (intransitive) To change the direction of motion after hitting an obstacle.
2. (intransitive) To move quickly up and then down (or vice versa), once or repeatedly.
3. (transitive) To cause to move quickly up and down, or back and forth, once or repeatedly.
4. (transitive, colloquial) To suggest or introduce (an idea, etc.) to (off or by) someone, in order to gain feedback.
5. (intransitive) To leap or spring suddenly or unceremoniously; to bound.
6. To move rapidly (between).
7. (intransitive, informal, of a cheque/check) To be refused by a bank because it is drawn on insufficient funds.
8. (transitive, informal) To fail to cover (have sufficient funds for) (a cheque/check drawn on one's account).

Example Sentences

The tennis ball bounced off the wall before coming to rest in the ditch.

He bounces nervously on his chair.

The Black Cats contributed to their own downfall for the only goal when Titus Bramble, making his first appearance since Boxing Day, and Michael Turner, let Phil Jones' cross bounce across the six-yard box as Rooney tucked in at the back post.

He bounced the child on his knee.

The children were bouncing a ball against a wall.

I'm meeting Bob later to bounce some ideas off him about the new product range.

She bounced happily into the room.

Out bounced the mastiff.

Word Forms

• bounces
• bouncing
• bounced

Synonyms for bounce

Antonyms for bounce

Related Words

When Should You Use Bounce?

Use bounce when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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