v.
- use the hands clumsily while doing or handling something.
▸
(fumble about/around)
move about clumsily using the hands to find one's way.
▸(in ball games) fail to catch or field (the ball) cleanly.
- express oneself or deal with something clumsily or nervously.
n.
an act of fumbling.
▸informal an act of fondling someone for sexual pleasure.
Derivative
- fumbler n.
- fumbling adj.
- fumblingly adv.
Etymology
ME: from Low Ger. fommeln or Du. fommelen.