stumble
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1stum·ble
verb \ˈstəm-bəl\stum·bledstum·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\
Definition of STUMBLE
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 carelessly
transitive verb
1
: to cause to stumble : trip
See Examples of STUMBLE
- I stumbled on the uneven pavement.
- The horse stumbled and almost fell.
- He stumbled drunkenly across the room.
- He stumbled over to the table.
- I heard him stumble over the unfamiliar words.
- She stumbled through an apology.
- The economy has stumbled in recent months.
Origin of STUMBLE
Middle English, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Norwegian dialect stumle to stumble
First Known Use: 14th century
2stumble
nounDefinition of STUMBLE
: an act or instance of stumbling
Examples of STUMBLE
- <was his hurtful remark a regrettable stumble, or was it made with artful intention?>
- <has bones so brittle that a minor stumble could result in a serious break>
First Known Use of STUMBLE
1547
Learn More About STUMBLE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: stumblebum
Previous Word in the Dictionary: stum (noun)
All Words Near: stumble
Previous Word in the Dictionary: stum (noun)
All Words Near: stumble
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up stumble? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
