Definition of stumble
stumbled
;stumbling
play \-b(ə-)liŋ\intransitive verb
1a : to fall into sin or waywardnessb : to make an error : blunderc : to come to an obstacle to belief
2 : to trip in walking or running
3a : to walk unsteadily or clumsilyb : to speak or act in a hesitant or faltering manner
4a : to come unexpectedly or by chance stumble onto the truthb : to fall or move carelessly
transitive verb
1 : to cause to stumble : trip
From the M-W Editors
Examples of stumble in a Sentence
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.
Origin and Etymology of stumble
Middle English, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Norwegian dialect stumle to stumble
First Known Use: 14th century
Examples of stumble in a Sentence
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
1547
First Known Use of stumble
1547
STUMBLE Defined for English Language Learners
stumble
playDefinition of stumble for English Language Learners
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: to hit your foot on something when you are walking or running so that you fall or almost fall
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: to walk in an awkward way
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: to speak or act in an awkward way
STUMBLE Defined for Kids
Definition of stumble for Students
stumbled
;stumbling
1 : to trip in walking, running, or dancing
2 : to walk unsteadily She stumbled around in the dark.
3 : to speak or act in a clumsy manner The student stumbled through his presentation.
4 : to come unexpectedly or accidentally We stumbled onto a clue.
Definition of stumble for Students
: an act or instance of tripping or walking unsteadily
Learn More about stumble
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See words that rhyme with stumble Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for stumble Spanish Central: Translation of stumble Nglish: Translation of stumble for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of stumble for Arabic speakers
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