Main Entry: ¹stum·ble

Pronunciation: \ˈstəm-bəl\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): stum·bled; stum·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\

Etymology: Middle English, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Norwegian dial. stumle to stumble

Date: 14th century

intransitive verb 1 a : to fall into sin or waywardness b : to make an error : blunder c : to come to an obstacle to belief
2 : to trip in walking or running
3 a : to walk unsteadily or clumsily b : to speak or act in a hesitant or faltering manner
4 a : to come unexpectedly or by chance <stumble onto the truth> b : to fall or move carelesslytransitive verb 1 : to cause to stumble : trip
2 : bewilder, confound

— stum·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun

— stum·bling·ly \-b(ə-)liŋ-lē\ adverb