- bubble
- bub|ble1 [ `bʌbl ] noun count *1. ) a ball of air or gas in a liquid:Gas bubbles in any liquid tend to rise to the surface.Heat the milk until bubbles form around the edge of the pan.a ) a ball of air or gas in a substance that has become solid:bubbles of air trapped in iceMake sure there are no bubbles of air in the jam.b ) a ball made of a thin outer layer of soap or BUBBLE GUM:soap bubblesChildren love blowing bubbles.2. ) a structure that is round like a bubble3. ) the circle around the words said by people in a CARTOON: BALLOONthe bubble burstsused for describing the end of a situation that seemed extremely good:When the economic bubble bursts, a lot of people are going to lose their jobs.a bubble of somethinga feeling that suddenly affects you:She felt a bubble of hysteria rising in her throat.on the bubble AMERICANin between success and failure in the near future, especially in a sport:The Yankees are sure to qualify for the post-season playoffs, but the Red Sox are on the bubble.burst someone's bubbleto end someone's happiness by making them realize what is happening:I hate to burst your bubble, but I don't think he remembers you.bubblebub|ble 2 [ `bʌbl ] verb intransitive *1. ) if liquid bubbles, bubbles form and move in it:A pot of soup was bubbling away on the stove.When the sauce starts to bubble, remove it from the heat.2. ) bubble away/beneath if something such as an emotion or violence bubbles away, it continues to exist but is not noticeable:Violence is bubbling beneath the surface.,bubble `up phrasal verb intransitiveto increase and become more obvious:Tension could bubble up again at any time.`bubble ,with or ,bubble `over ,with phrasal verb transitivebubble (over) with something to be full of a happy or excited feeling:Everybody's bubbling with enthusiasm.
Usage of the words and phrases in modern English. 2013.