Bounce

/baʊns/

verbBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

3 meanings
1

To spring back or rebound after hitting a surface.

/baʊns/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To move up or away after hitting a surface.

The basketball bounced high.

💡 Simply: To jump back up after hitting something.

More Examples

2

The child bounced the ball repeatedly.

How It's Used

Physics

"The ball bounced off the wall."

Sports

"He bounced the basketball before shooting."

2

The act of something bouncing.

/baʊns/

nounneutralBeginner
General

An instance of bouncing.

The ball had a great bounce.

💡 Simply: A jump back up.

More Examples

2

She enjoyed the bounce of the trampoline.

How It's Used

Everyday

"The bounce of the ball was impressive."

Tip:Think of the up-and-down movement – a BOUNCE.
3

To move up and down or from side to side in an irregular way.

/baʊns/

verbneutralIntermediate
General

To move suddenly and erratically.

The boat bounced violently in the waves.

💡 Simply: To jump or move around unevenly.

More Examples

2

The old car bounced along the rough road.

How It's Used

Informal

"The car bounced along the bumpy road."

Tip:Picture a bumpy ride - the car BOUNCES.

Idioms & expressions

bounce back

To recover from a setback.

"After the accident, he bounced back quickly."

From Middle English *bouncen, from Old French *boncir, possibly of imitative origin.

The word 'bounce' has been used in English since the 14th century, initially referring to the sound of impact.

Memory tip

Imagine a bouncy ball – it BOUNCES!

Base: bounce
bounsebouns

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written