First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1juggle
verb jug·gle \ˈjə-gəl\
: to keep several objects in motion in the air at the same time by repeatedly throwing and catching them
: to do (several things) at the same time
: to make changes to (something) in order to achieve a desired result
jug·gledjug·gling \-g(ə-)liŋ\
Full Definition of JUGGLE
intransitive verb
1
: to perform the tricks of a juggler
2
: to engage in manipulation especially in order to achieve a desired end
transitive verb
1
a : to practice deceit or trickery on : beguile b : to manipulate or rearrange especially in order to achieve a desired end <juggle an account to hide a loss>
2
a : to toss in the manner of a juggler b : to hold or balance precariously
3
: to handle or deal with usually several things (as obligations) at one time so as to satisfy often competing requirements <juggle the responsibilities of family life and full-time job — Jane S. Gould>
See juggle defined for English-language learners
See juggle defined for kids
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Origin of JUGGLE
Middle English jogelen, from Anglo-French jugler, from Latin joculari to jest, joke, from joculus, diminutive of jocus joke
Related to JUGGLE
- Synonyms
- bamboozle, beguile, bluff, buffalo, burn, catch, con, cozen, delude, dupe, fake out, fool, gaff, gammon, gull, have, have on [chiefly British], hoax, hoodwink, hornswoggle, humbug, deceive, misguide, misinform, mislead, snooker, snow, spoof, string along, sucker, suck in, take in, trick
- Antonyms
- undeceive
2juggle
noun
Definition of JUGGLE
: an act or instance of juggling: a : a trick of magic b : a show of manual dexterity c : an act of manipulation especially to achieve a desired end
First Known Use of JUGGLE
1664
Related to JUGGLE
JUGGLE Defined for Kids
juggle
verb jug·gle \ˈjə-gəl\
jug·gledjug·gling
Definition of JUGGLE for Kids
1
: to keep several things moving in the air at the same time
2
: to work or do (several things) at the same time <She juggles work and school.>
— jug·gler \ˈjəg-lər\ noun
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