Definition

1. Noun:

   • A high, arcing shot or throw: In sports, a "lob" is a ball hit or thrown in a high, slow arc, typically intended to go over an opponent's head.
   • The act of propelling something in a high arc: The action of making such a shot or throw.

2. Verb:

   • To hit or throw something in a high, arcing trajectory: To propel an object, especially a ball, so that it travels high in the air with a curved path.
   • To move heavily or slowly (archaic/rare): To walk or move in a slow, heavy, or clumsy manner.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The player won the point with a perfect lob over her opponent.
  • His defensive lob gave him time to recover his position on the court.

• Verb:

  • She decided to lob the ball high to the back of the court.
  • The artillery unit was ordered to lob shells onto the enemy position.

Advanced Usage

• "to lob a question/accusation": To present a question or accusation in a casual or indirect manner, often to provoke a reaction.
  • During the interview, the journalist lobbed a difficult question at the politician.

Variants and Related Words

• Lobber (n): A person who hits or throws lobs.
• Lob shot (n): Another term for a lob, especially in soccer or basketball.

Synonyms

• Noun: Lofted shot, arcing shot, high ball.
• Verb: Loft, arc, toss (high), float.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs.)

Related Idioms

(There are no common idioms specifically centered on the word "lob".)

Noun

1. the act of propelling something (as a ball or shell etc.) in a high arc
2. an easy return of a tennis ball in a high arc

Verb

1. propel in a high arc
   • lob the tennis ball