bob: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “bob” mean?
A short, quick up-and-down movement.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A short, quick up-and-down movement; a short haircut; a small, round object.
To move up and down quickly; a style of haircut where hair is cut evenly around the head; a type of float on a fishing line; a small amount of money (British slang); a shilling (historical British coin).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'bob' can mean a shilling (historical) or a small amount of money ('a few bob'). In American English, 'bob' as currency is rare. 'Bob' for a haircut is common in both.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'bob' as a haircut is neutral. The verb 'to bob' often has playful or light connotations.
Frequency
The haircut sense is equally common. The monetary sense is primarily British and somewhat dated.
Grammar
How to Use “bob” in a Sentence
[NP] bob [AdvP] (e.g., The cork bobbed gently.)[NP] bob [NP] (e.g., She bobbed her head.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bob” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The buoy bobbed on the waves.
- She bobbed a curtsy to the queen.
American English
- The apple bobbed in the water.
- He bobbed his head to the music.
adjective
British English
- She has a lovely bob cut.
- He paid a bob or two for it.
American English
- She wanted a bob hairstyle.
- The bob sled team practiced daily.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in historical financial contexts.
Academic
Rare; may appear in historical or cultural studies.
Everyday
Common for describing haircuts, quick movements, or the game 'bobbing for apples'.
Technical
In fishing, a 'bob' is a float. In physics, can describe oscillatory motion.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bob”
- Using 'bob' as a general term for any short haircut (it's a specific style).
- Confusing 'bob' (movement) with 'hop' (which involves leaving the ground).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it has several meanings including a quick up-and-down movement, a float for fishing, and historical British currency.
It's a British idiom meaning 'there you have it' or 'it's all done', used when something is easily accomplished.
Yes. As a noun: 'She has a bob.' As a verb: 'The cork will bob on the water.'
Yes, mainly in the vowel. UK: /bɒb/ (like 'lot'). US: /bɑːb/ (like 'father').
A short, quick up-and-down movement.
Bob is usually informal to neutral in register.
Bob: in British English it is pronounced /bɒb/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɑːb/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Bob's your uncle”
- “bob and weave”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'bob' haircut – it's short and even, like the word 'bob' is short. Or, a cork bobs on water – short, repetitive movements.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIGHTNESS/PLAYFULNESS (bobbing motion), NEATNESS/SHORTNESS (haircut).
Practice
Quiz
In British English, what can 'a few bob' mean?