bounce

To move away in a new direction after hitting a surface.

• The ball bounced twice.
• A stone bounced off the road.
• The tennis ball is bouncing across the court.

How to use it: bounce off something (The ball bounced off the fence.)

Similar words: rebound

Common phrases: bounce off something, bounce on something

To make something move quickly up and down or back and forth.

• Bounce the ball with one hand.
• She gently bounced the baby on her knee.
• He bounced his leg while waiting.

How to use it: bounce someone on something (He bounced his daughter on his knee.)

Similar words: jiggle, joggle

Common phrases: bounce a ball, bounce a baby, bounce on something

If a cheque does this, the bank refuses to pay it because there is not enough money.

• My cheque bounced yesterday.
• The rent check bounced because the account was empty.
• If another cheque bounces, the bank will charge you.

Similar words: be dishonoured

Common phrases: cheque bounce, check bounce

To discuss an idea with someone to find out what they think of it.

• I want to bounce some ideas off you.
• She bounced her proposal off a trusted colleague.
• Could we bounce these suggestions off the team?

How to use it: bounce something off someone (Can I bounce an idea off you?); bounce something by someone (Let me bounce this plan by my colleague.)

Similar words: run by

Common phrases: bounce ideas off someone, bounce something by someone

To move somewhere with quick, lively steps or jumps.

• She bounced into the room.
• He bounced down the stairs, eager to leave.
• The puppy bounced across the lawn.

How to use it: bounce into something (The children bounced into the kitchen.)

Similar words: bound, spring, skip

Common phrases: bounce into something, bounce out, bounce down something

A movement away from a surface after hitting it.

• The ball took a high bounce.
• Catch it after the first bounce.
• An unexpected bounce sent the ball over the fence.

Similar words: rebound

Common phrases: first bounce, high bounce, bounce off something

A quick movement up and down, once or repeatedly.

• There is a bounce in her step.
• The seat has a gentle bounce.
• I like the natural bounce of her curls.

Similar words: bob, bobbing, bouncing

Common phrases: bounce in something, gentle bounce, bounce of something

The ability to jump high, especially when playing basketball.

• That player has serious bounce.
• Her bounce helps her reach the basket.
• He has enough bounce to dunk easily.

Similar words: spring, leaping ability

Common phrases: have bounce, serious bounce