tumbleweed

noun

tum·​ble·​weed ˈtəm-bəl-ˌwēd 

: a plant (such as Russian thistle or any of several amaranths) that breaks away from its roots in the autumn and is driven about by the wind as a light rolling mass

Examples of tumbleweed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Each of the 21 rooms is unique, layering ranch keepsakes (vintage branding irons and Stetson hatboxes) with contemporary touches like a striking tumbleweed chandelier. —Todd Plummer, Robb Report, 19 June 2026

This pet grooming kit + vacuum trims, brushes and sucks up loose fur at the same time, so you're not left sweeping up Fido's tumbleweeds afterward. —Trisha Easto, USA Today, 15 May 2026

The Midwest should be known for tumbleweeds, not drifting plastic. —Max Dametz, Washington Post, 20 Mar. 2026

Does one just neglect the laundry, fur ball tumbleweeds from my winter-coat-shedding pup, and the cloudy glass shower door? —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tumbleweed

• aniseed
• centipede
• cottonseed
• disagreed
• ganymede
• guaranteed
• intercede
• overspeed
• pedigreed
• refereed
• supercede
• supersede

Kids Definition

tumbleweed

noun

tum·​ble·​weed ˈtəm-bəl-ˌwēd 

: a plant that breaks away from its roots in autumn and is blown about by the wind