tumble
1tum·ble
verb \ˈtəm-bəl\tum·bledtum·bling\-b(ə-)liŋ\
Definition of TUMBLE
intransitive verb
1
2
a : to perform gymnastic feats in tumbling b : to turn end over end in falling or flight
3
: to roll over and over, to and fro, or end over end : toss
4
: to issue forth hurriedly and confusedly
5
: to come by chance : stumble
6
: to come to understand : catch on <didn't tumble to the seriousness of the problem>
transitive verb
1
: to cause to tumble (as by pushing or toppling)
3
: to whirl in a tumbling barrel
Examples of TUMBLE
- He tripped and tumbled to the ground.
- The statue came tumbling down during the riots.
- The satellite was tumbling out of control.
- She slipped and tumbled down the hill.
- Everyone came tumbling out of the bar at closing time.
- He tumbled into bed and fell asleep.
- Water tumbled over the rocks.
Origin of TUMBLE
Middle English, frequentative of tumben to dance, from Old English tumbian; akin to Old High German tūmōn to reel
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to TUMBLE
Related Words: collapse, crumple, drop, flump, keel, plop, plunk (or plonk), slump (over); crash, free-fall, nose-dive, plummet, plunge, precipitate, wipe out; skid, slide
Rhymes with TUMBLE
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