limber

1 of 3

adjective

lim·​ber ˈlim-bər How to pronounce limber (audio)
1
: having a supple and resilient quality (as of mind or body) : agile, nimble
2
: capable of being shaped : flexible
limberly adverb
limberness noun

limber

2 of 3

verb

limbered; limbering ˈlim-b(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce limber (audio)

intransitive verb

: to become limber
limber up by running

transitive verb

: to cause to become limber
limber up his fingers

limber

3 of 3

noun

: a two-wheeled vehicle to which a gun or caisson may be attached

Examples of limber in a Sentence

Adjective he shaped the basket out of limber branches that could bend easily around a frame
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Two ultra-limber actors — Hassiem Muhammad and Ryan Sellers — in garish body makeup (and dance shoes) merge limbs and psyches for an electric demonstration of poetry in motion. Peter Marks, Washington Post, 26 Jan. 2023 For thousands of years, people have turned to yoga to feel more limber, release stress and rejuvenate their overall physical and mental health. Forrest Brown, CNN, 21 June 2022
Verb
But the type of young, adventurous camping enthusiasts limber enough to squeeze themselves into an ultralight teardrop eventually grow up, have a family and sell the teardrop. New Atlas, 12 July 2024 For those who like to keep their brains limber by reading about the latest developments in quantum physics, here’s a mind-bending achievement: a group of researchers in China conducted an experiment to demonstrate something called quantum pseudotelepathy. Amanda Montañez, Scientific American, 14 Dec. 2022 See all Example Sentences for limber 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

origin unknown

Noun

Middle English lymour

First Known Use

Adjective

1565, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1748, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of limber was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near limber

Cite this Entry

“Limber.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/limber. Accessed 12 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

limber

1 of 2 adjective
lim·​ber ˈlim-bər How to pronounce limber (audio)
: bending easily : flexible, supple
limberly adverb
limberness noun

limber

2 of 2 verb
limbered; limbering
ˈlim-b(ə-)riŋ
: to make or become limber
limbered up with exercises

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