English Profile

bounce · verb

/bɑʊns/Full view

bounce (MOVE UP)

B1 I or T to move up or away after hitting a surface, or to make something move this way

Dictionary examples:

The basketball bounced off the rim of the basket.

bounce a ball

The kids were bouncing up and down on the bed.

We bounced along the dirt road in and old truck.

Learner example:

As soon as I read the letter I started shouting and bouncing o[n] the sofa. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Greek)

bounce along/around/into, etc.

C1 to move somewhere in a happy and energetic way

Dictionary example:

Sarah bounced into the room with a big smile on her face.

Learner example:

At "Elton John" people were singing ad dancing without to much pushing, while at "Metallica" people were screaming and shouting the lyrics out while they stage-dived and were bouncing arou[n]d. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Danish)

bounce (E-MAIL)

C2 If e-mail bounces back, it is returned to you because the address is not correct or there is a computer problem.

Dictionary example:

I tried to send you an email, but it bounced back.

bounce back (SUCCESSFUL AGAIN)

C1 to start to be successful again after a difficult period

Dictionary examples:

Stock prices bounced back after a steep plunge earlier this week.

After a terrible start the team bounced back and won the game.

Learner example:

The figures reflecting the number of tonnes carried by the rail network had initially fallen in the nineteen eighties and nineteen nineties by about 40 per cent but then bounced back by the begin[n]ing of the new century. (International English Language Testing System; C1; Russian)