What does "juggle" mean?
The act of throwing and catching each prop at least twice, as opposed to a flash.
Juggle
/ˈd͡ʒʌɡəl/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The act of throwing and catching each prop at least twice, as opposed to a flash.
- Grammar: juggle is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: adulterate, alter, arrange, artifice.
- Useful contrasts: drop, release, single-tasking.
- Usage evidence: There's no way that Tom will ever be able to juggle.
How to use "juggle"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "juggle" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "juggle" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "juggle" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "juggle" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "juggle" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "adulterate" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "juggle", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The act of throwing and catching each prop at least twice, as opposed to a flash.
- 2 throwing and catching several objects simultaneously wordnet
- 3 The handling or managing of many tasks at once.
"Quit the juggle and monotask."
- 4 the act of rearranging things to give a misleading impression wordnet
- 5 The performance of a magic trick. archaic
Show 1 more definition
- 6 A deceit or imposture. archaic
"I could not believe that she was dead. The lips were red, nay redder than before; and on the cheeks was a delicate bloom. “Is this a juggle?” I said to him."
Verb
- 1 To manipulate objects, such as balls, clubs, beanbags, rings, etc. in an artful or artistic manner. Juggling may also include assorted other circus skills such as the diabolo, devil sticks, hat, and cigar box manipulation as well.
"She can juggle flaming torches."
- 2 hold with difficulty and balance insecurely wordnet
- 3 To handle or manage many tasks at once.
"He juggled home, school, and work for two years."
- 4 throw, catch, and keep in the air several things simultaneously wordnet
- 5 To deceive by trick or artifice. ambitransitive
"I think they are juggling the company's books."
Show 5 more definitions
- 6 deal with simultaneously wordnet
- 7 To joke or jest. archaic, intransitive
- 8 manipulate by or as if by moving around components wordnet
- 9 To perform magic tricks. archaic, intransitive
- 10 influence by slyness wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"There's no way that Tom will ever be able to juggle."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "juggle"?
Common synonyms include: adulterate, alter, arrange, artifice, balance, bamboozle.
How do you use "juggle" in a sentence?
There's no way that Tom will ever be able to juggle.
How do you pronounce "juggle"?
Pronounced /ˈd͡ʒʌɡəl/.
Etymology
From Middle English jogelen, partly a back-formation of Middle English jogeler (“juggler”), and partly a borrowing from Old French jogler, jongler (“to have fun with someone”), a conflation of Latin joculāri (“to jest; joke”) and Old French jangler (“to regale; entertain; have fun; trifle with; tease; mess around; gossip; boast; meddle”), from Frankish *jangalōn (“to chit-chat with; gossip”), akin to Middle Dutch jankelen (“to murmur; whisper; mumble; grumble”), frequentative of Middle Dutch janken (“to moan; groan; complain”). Related also to Middle Low German janken (“to sigh; moan; lament”), Dutch jengelen (“to whine; whimper”) Dutch janken (“to whine; wimper”).