Bounce

/baʊns/

Meaning & Definition

noun
an act of bouncing.
The bounce of the basketball echoed across the gym.
the resilience or springiness of an object.
The high bounce of the new tennis ball impressed everyone.
a sudden return or recovery, especially regarding a situation.
After the setback, the company made a strong bounce back in profits.
verb
to move quickly away from a surface after hitting it.
The ball will bounce if it hits the ground at the right angle.
to spring back from a surface after impact.
She watched the rubber band bounce off the wall and return to her.
to rebound after being thrown or dropped.
He let the basketball bounce before taking his shot.
to move with a lively springing motion.
The children began to bounce with excitement when they saw the clown.
to be sent back or rejected, as a message or email.
Her email bounced back because the address was incorrect.

Etymology

Middle English: from Old French 'boncer', of imitative origin.

Common Phrases and Expressions

bounce back
To recover from difficulties or setbacks.
bounce a check
To have a bank check returned due to insufficient funds.
bounce off the walls
To be overly energetic or hyperactive.

Related Words

rebound
To spring back; to bounce back again.
jump
To move off the ground by pushing against it.

Slang Meanings

To leave abruptly.
Let's bounce before the cops show up.
To leave a party or event.
It's getting late, I think I'm going to bounce.
To be successful quickly.
He bounced to the top of the charts with his new single.