bubble
UK: ˈbʌb.əl | US: ˈbʌb.əl
n. a thin sphere of liquid enclosing air or gas
n. a temporary state of excitement or prosperity
vi. to form or produce bubbles
vi. to flow with a gurgling sound
The word "bubble" originates from Middle English bobel, an onomatopoeic term mimicking the sound of bubbling liquid. The repetitive "-le" suffix reinforces the action's frequent or continuous nature (e.g., "dazzle," "sparkle"). While its exact roots are unclear, its imitative quality aligns with Germanic sound-symbolic words like Dutch bobbel (bump/swelling) and Low German bubbeln (to bubble). The word’s evolution reflects a direct link between sound and meaning, common in words describing natural phenomena.
Children love blowing soap bubbles in the park.
The tech bubble of the 1990s eventually burst.
Water began to bubble as it reached boiling point.
The stream bubbled softly over the rocks.
Her laughter bubbled up uncontrollably.