What does juggle mean?
Juggle means to throw and catch several objects in the air, as a performer or spectator might do with balls or clubs. The word is also widely used to describe managing several demanding activities at once: a person may juggle multiple jobs, projects, responsibilities, or family commitments. In this figurative sense, juggling suggests continual movement, prioritization, and the risk that something may be neglected or mishandled. A less common and more negative sense refers to manipulating facts, figures, or accounts in order to mislead others. The expression “a juggling act” is often used for a demanding situation requiring several difficult activities to be coordinated successfully. Although the literal performance is relatively uncommon, the metaphorical senses of juggling have made the word especially useful for describing modern work, schedules, and competing obligations.
verbTo throw and catch two or more objects in the air, usually as a performance or trick. By extension, it means to manage several activities or responsibilities at once, or to manipulate information deceptively.
- To throw, catch, or otherwise keep several objects moving in the air.
- To manage or coordinate multiple activities, tasks, or responsibilities simultaneously.
- To manipulate or misrepresent information for deceptive purposes.
"She had to juggle three part-time jobs while completing her degree."
"The street performer juggled five brightly coloured balls."
"The minister was accused of juggling the figures to conceal the shortfall."
What began as a stage performer’s trick has become a metaphor for anyone trying to keep several demanding things in the air at once.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does juggle come from?
The word entered Middle English from French jongler, “to jest or perform tricks,” ultimately derived from Latin joculari, “to jest.” The Latin word was related to jocus, meaning “joke” or “play.” Its early meaning referred to entertaining tricks involving the throwing and catching of objects, while the sense of balancing several tasks developed much later by analogy with the apparent complexity of such performances.
Related word forms
How juggle is actually used
The figurative sense of managing several tasks is common in both formal and informal English. The sense of deliberately distorting information is less common and generally carries a negative implication, especially in phrases such as “juggle the figures” or “juggle the facts.”