bob up
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To rise to the surface; to ascend to the surface and remain floating there.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
He bobbed up and flailed toward the near bank. The weight of his boots and soaked uniform kept pulling him under.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To appear or arrive unexpectedly.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “bob up” mean?
To rise to the surface; to ascend to the surface and remain floating there.
Is “bob up” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.