intransitive verb

1
: to perform the tricks of a juggler
2
: to engage in manipulation especially in order to achieve a desired end

transitive verb

1
: to handle or deal with usually several things (such as obligations) at one time so as to satisfy often competing requirements
juggle the responsibilities of family life and full-time job Jane S. Gould
2
a
: to practice deceit or trickery on : beguile
b
: to manipulate or rearrange especially in order to achieve a desired end
juggle an account to hide a loss
3
a
: to toss in the manner of a juggler
b
: to hold or balance precariously

juggle

2 of 2

noun

: an act or instance of juggling:
a
: a trick of magic
b
: a show of manual dexterity
c
: an act of manipulation especially to achieve a desired end

Examples of juggle in a Sentence

Verb He is learning to juggle. He juggled four balls at once. She somehow manages to juggle a dozen tasks at once.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Professionals in the field are juggling multiple platforms, buried under overlapping updates or unsure which message needs their attention first. Mike Vietri, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025 For a franchise that has been constantly juggling GMs, head coaches and quarterbacks over the last 15 years, this should give Poles and Johnson some stability to build the team together for the next several years. Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025
Noun
The question is how to optimize the juggle of resources. IEEE Spectrum, 28 May 2010 In a true princes move, Princess Elisabeth's juggles her studies with royal duties, regularly returning to Belgium to remain involved in public life. Janine Henni, People.com, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for juggle

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English jogelen, from Anglo-French jugler, from Latin joculari to jest, joke, from joculus, diminutive of jocus joke

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1664, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of juggle was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Juggle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/juggle. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

juggle

verb
jug·​gle
ˈjəg-əl
juggled; juggling
-(ə-)liŋ
1
: to keep several objects in motion in the air at the same time
2
: to do several things at the same time
juggling three jobs
3
: make changes to (something) in order to achieve a desired result
had to juggle my schedule
juggler
-(ə-)lər
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on juggle

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