bumble

• POS: Noun, Verb (usu participle), Verb (intransitive)
• HYPHEN: bum=ble

CIDE DICTIONARY

bumble, n. [See Bump to boom.].

 The bittern.  [1913 Webster]

bumble, v. i. 

 To make a hollow or humming noise, like that of a bumblebee; to buzz; to cry as a bittern.  [1913 Webster]
"As a bittern bumbleth in the mire."  [1913 Webster]

bumble, v. i. 

 to act ineptly or without clear understanding of what one is doing; to blunder; to stumble about; -- sometimes used with around.  [PJC]

bumble, v. t. 

 to bungle (a task).  [PJC]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

bumble, v.intr.
1 (foll. by on) speak in a rambling incoherent way.
2 (often as bumbling adj.) move or act ineptly; blunder.
3 make a buzz or hum.

Derivative

bumbler n.

Etymology

BOOM(1) + -LE(4): partly f. bumble = blunderer

THESAURUS

bumble

be all thumbs, blow, blunder, blunder away, blunder into, blunder on, blunder upon, bobble, boggle, bollix, bombinate, botch, bum, bungle, butcher, buzz, commit a gaffe, drone, faux pas, flounder, fumble, lumber, lurch, mar, miscue, mucker, muddle, muff, murder, play havoc with, screw up, slip, snapper, spoil, strum, stumble, thrum, trip