stumbled; stumbling
ˈstəm-b(ə-)liŋ 
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
Examples of stumble in a Sentence
Verb
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.
Noun
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
Recent Examples on the Web
Diana Hubbell, Saveur, 16 Oct. 2025
Things do get more interesting when Mia stumbles upon an improbable house in the middle of the woods, occupied by a witchy old lady (Robin Bartlett).
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 13 Oct. 2025
Andy McCullough, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2025
But this stumble feels different.
—Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stumble
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.
Verb
Crossing the threshold into this quiet oasis near the former Berlin Wall feels like stumbling across a secret.
—Diana Hubbell, Saveur, 16 Oct. 2025
Things do get more interesting when Mia stumbles upon an improbable house in the middle of the woods, occupied by a witchy old lady (Robin Bartlett).
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
The confidence showed in Game 1 against the Dodgers, and the Brewers avoided the first-inning stumbles that vexed them against the Cubs.
—Andy McCullough, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2025
But this stumble feels different.
—Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stumble
Cite this Entry
“Stumble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stumble. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share