cumber

1 of 2

verb

cum·​ber ˈkəm-bər How to pronounce cumber (audio)
cumbered; cumbering ˈkəm-b(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce cumber (audio)

transitive verb

1
archaic : trouble, harass
2
a
: to hinder or encumber by being in the way
cumbered with heavy clothing
b
: to clutter up
rocks cumbering the yard

cumber

2 of 2

noun

: something that cumbers
especially : hindrance

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English combren, short for acombren, from Anglo-French acumbrer, encumbrer — more at encumber

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cumber was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near cumber

Cite this Entry

“Cumber.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cumber. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on cumber

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!