# bob

> English word · Verb · IPA /bɒb/ · frequency rank #2,331

## Definitions
1. To move gently and vertically, in either a single motion or repeatedly up and down, at or near the surface of a body of water, or similar medium.
2. To move (something) as though it were bobbing in water.
3. To move (something) as though it were bobbing in water.
4. To curtsy.
5. To strike with a quick, light blow; to tap.
6. Synonym of blob (“catch eels using worms strung on thread”).

## Etymology
From Middle English bobben (“to strike, beat, shake, jog”), of uncertain origin. Compare Scots bob (“to mark, dance with a bobbing motion”), Icelandic boppa (“to wave up and down”), Swedish bobba (“to bob”), Dutch dobberen ("bobbing").

## Easily confused with
- **by** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/bob-vs-by)
- **BS** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/bob-vs-bs)
- **br** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/bob-vs-br)
- **Bt** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/bob-vs-bt)
- **BP** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/bob-vs-bp)
- **BW** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/bob-vs-bw)
- **BX** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/bob-vs-bx)
- **but** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/bob-vs-but)
- **buy** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/bob-vs-buy)
- **boy** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/bob-vs-boy)
- **box** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/bob-vs-box)
- **bus** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/bob-vs-bus)
- **bro** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/bob-vs-bro)
- **bye** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/bob-vs-bye)
- **bow** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/bob-vs-bow)
- **bug** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/bob-vs-bug)
- **bud** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/bob-vs-bud)
- **BTW** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/bob-vs-btw)
- **boo** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/bob-vs-boo)
- **bra** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/bob-vs-bra)

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/bob