fum´bler

fum|ble «FUHM buhl», verb, -bled, -bling, noun.

–v.i.

1. to feel or grope about clumsily; search awkwardly: »

He fumbled in the darkness for the doorknob.

2. to handle something awkwardly: »

He fumbled and dropped his teacup.

3. Sports. to drop a ball unintentionally, especially in attempting to catch or hold onto it.

–v.t.

1. to handle (something) awkwardly or with nervous clumsiness: »

He fumbled the latch.

2. Sports. to let (a ball) drop instead of catching and holding onto it: »

The first baseman fumbled the ball, and two runs were scored. The halfback fumbled the ball, and the other team recovered it.

3. to speak uncertainly; miss (words): »

The actor fumbled his lines.

–n.

1. an awkward attempt to find or handle something: »

Unfortunately the fumble allowed the other team to make a goal.

2. Sports. a failure to catch and hold onto a ball.

╂[earlier fumyll. Compare Low German fummeln.]

–fum´bler, noun.

–fum´bling|ly, adverb.