What does lobbing mean?
Lobbing describes sending a ball or another object through the air in a high, gently curving trajectory rather than at a low, direct angle. The word is especially common in tennis, badminton, table tennis, and football, where players may lob the ball over an opponent, across a court, or toward a partner. It can also describe military uses, such as lobbing a grenade into a trench or over a barrier. As a noun, lobbing names the action or technique itself and is often used when discussing a player's persistent use of high, safe shots. The word can imply patience or deliberate strategy, although lobbing a pass in football may indicate that the player lacks a clear route through the defense. Outside sports, it generally conveys a controlled rise followed by a gradual descent.
Throwing, kicking, or sending something through the air in a high, gently curving arc.
"The player kept lobbing the ball just beyond the net."
Often used with a ball, pass, grenade, or other object that is deliberately sent along a high trajectory.
The action or technique of throwing or sending something in a high, arcing trajectory.
"Her relentless lobbing kept the match going for several long rallies."
The noun is commonly associated with tennis and other racket sports and is often used for repeated high deliveries.
The plural is rare; it can refer to separate instances of the action.
"The audience grew restless after several prolonged lobbings."
A lob turns a forceful shot into a gentle high arc—a ball that asks its opponent to come, wait, and leap.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lobbing come from?
Lobbing is an English present-participle and gerund formation made by adding -ing to the verb lob. The resulting form carries both an ongoing verbal meaning, describing an arcing throw, and a nominal meaning for the action of making such a throw.
Related word forms
How lobbing is actually used
Lobbing is common in sports descriptions and can also refer to the deliberate use of a high trajectory, as in lobbing a grenade or shell into a position. In tennis, it usually contrasts with a flat drive or smash.
Easily confused with lobbing
Lobbing involves sending something in a high arc, whereas looting means taking property unlawfully.