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bob
/bɒb/
A quick, short, vertical movement up and down. It suggests a rhythmic or sudden bouncing motion, often associated with water (like a cork) or a physical gesture (like a nodding head). When referring to hair, it describes a specific style cut straight around the head at jaw-level, evoking a sense of neatness or vintage 1920s fashion. In casual British slang, it can refer to a shilling, though this is now largely archaic. It carries a nostalgic, old-fashioned tone.
Countable when referring to a specific hairstyle or a fishing float. Uncountable when referring to the general action of bobbing.
Meanings
To move up and down quickly and repeatedly, especially while floating in water.
"The cork began to bob in the choppy surf."
To move the head or a part of the body up and down rapidly.
"She bobbed her head in agreement with the speaker."
To cut hair very short, typically in a straight line around the head.
"She decided to bob her hair for the summer."