boggle

verb

bog·​gle ˈbä-gəl How to pronounce boggle (audio)
boggled; boggling ˈbä-g(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce boggle (audio)

intransitive verb

1
: to start with fright or amazement : be overwhelmed
the mind boggles at the research needed
2
: to hesitate because of doubt, fear, or scruples

transitive verb

1
2
: to overwhelm with wonder or bewilderment
boggle the mind
boggle noun

Examples of boggle in a Sentence

I boggled my first effort to make homemade pasta
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.
The tragedy side of things is addressed rather offhandedly — occasionally the movie will remember the boggling grief and betrayal at its center, only to shrug it off again just as quickly. Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2025 The magician boggled audiences with his card tricks and fantastical illusions. Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025 There’s so much richness happening in the lives of these characters, genuinely, and that boggles my mind. Ramin Setoodeh, Variety, 18 Sep. 2025 Trying to move in earlier to accommodate a pittance of an audience is mind boggling stupidity. Pol Ballus, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for boggle

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from bogle

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of boggle was in 1598

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Boggle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boggle. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

boggle

verb
bog·​gle ˈbä-gəl How to pronounce boggle (audio)
boggled; boggling -g(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce boggle (audio)
1
: to start with fright or amazement
the mind boggles at the effort
2
: to hesitate because of doubt or fear
3
: to overwhelm with wonder or confusion
boggles the mind
boggle noun

More from Merriam-Webster on boggle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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