The word in bold is GAMBOLED and this word literally means to run or prance around playfully. As it is used in the sentence, the word is has a close meaning to the phrase romped playfully. The answer is the third option. Romp means to play.
The word 'gambol' means 'to run or jump about playfully'. Looking at the given sentence in this way, we can be certain that the cubs were playing, or in a playful manner. Also, 'to romp' means to 'play roughly or playfully' which is also another indication of the cubs playing. So, among the various options given, the correct answer to the sentence given will be
The mountain lion watched as her cubs <u>romped playfully</u> (GAMBOLED) happily in the meadow.
