verb / noun
bounce
BOWNS/baʊns/
To spring back after contact with a surface.
The rubber ball bounces back up when it hits the pavement.
Etymology
Middle English bounsen meant to thump or hit; the meaning shifted from a blow to the springing movement of a ball. Its deeper origin is uncertain.
In context
For an echo to be clear, the sound needs enough time to travel far away to a surface and bounce back to your ears.
More examples
- A good night's sleep puts the bounce back in her step.
- His check bounced because the account lacked sufficient funds.
- My email bounced because the address no longer exists.
Forms
bounce · bounces · bounced · bouncing
Similar words
- rebound
- Rebound emphasizes returning after impact; bounce also suggests repeated springy movement.