Bubble

/ˈbʌb.əl/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A thin sphere of liquid enclosing air or gas.
The child watched the bubble float gently into the air.
An inflated or hollow sphere filled with air or gas.
The soap bubbles drifted away with the breeze.
An unrealistic or overly optimistic perception of a situation.
The housing market experienced a bubble that eventually burst.
verb
To form or produce bubbles.
The soup began to bubble as it heated on the stove.
To move in a lively or excited manner.
The children bubbled with excitement when they heard about the field trip.

Etymology

Middle English 'buble', from Old French 'buble', which is probably of imitative origin.

Common Phrases and Expressions

bubble burst
A situation where a belief or illusion is shattered.
bubble bath
A bath in which bubbles are created by soap or other substances.
in a bubble
Living in isolation from reality or outside influences.

Related Words

boil
To heat a liquid to the point that it forms bubbles.
fizz
To make a hissing or bubbling sound, as when gas escapes from a liquid.

Slang Meanings

A situation or condition that is likely to collapse.
That startup was just a bubble and it popped when the funding dried up.
To speak in a naive or unrealistic way.
Stop bubbling about your plans; they aren't practical.