What does bob mean?
Bob is a compact English word with several distinct meanings that all share a sense of smallness or quickness. Most commonly it functions as a verb describing a light, rapid up-and-down motion, such as a boat or cork bobbing on water, or a person briefly dipping down out of sight. As a noun it names a classic short hairstyle, cut straight and even around the head, famously associated with 1920s fashion and still widely worn today. It also denotes a small hanging weight, like the round metal piece on a plumb line or pendulum. In older British slang, a 'bob' meant a shilling, a usage now largely obsolete. The word is casual and everyday in register, appearing naturally in descriptions of movement, fashion, and simple mechanics. Its brevity and rhythmic sound make it easy to use, and its multiple senses reward attention to context: whether it signals floating motion, a haircut, or a weight depends entirely on the sentence around it.
A short quick movement up or down; a hairstyle cut evenly around the head at about jaw length; a small rounded weight attached to a line or pendulum.
"The fisherman's float gave a sharp bob before he struck."
To move or cause to move quickly up and down or back and forth with a short, light motion.
"Apples were set floating in a tub for the children to bob for."
Used when referring to multiple instances of the movement, hairstyle, or weights.
"Several bobs of his head signalled that he was listening carefully."
The word 'bob' is remarkably versatile: it can describe how a cork floats on water, how a person nods quickly, and even how millions of women wore their hair in the 1920s.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of bob
The word 'bob' first appeared in English in the late Middle English period, likely in the fourteenth century, though its ultimate origin remains uncertain. It may be related to Middle Low German or Dutch words meaning something small and round, or possibly imitative in origin, echoing a short, abrupt movement. The haircut sense became prominent in the early twentieth century during the 1920s fashion revolution.
Related word forms
How bob is actually used
As a verb, 'bob' is informal and often describes light, floating motion on water. As a noun referring to a hairstyle, it carries strong cultural associations with the 1920s flapper era. The sense meaning a British shilling is now largely historical.
Easily confused with bob
'Bob' as a proper noun is a common male given name, whereas 'bob' as a common noun refers to a movement, haircut, or weight.