tumbler

noun

tum·​bler ˈtəm-blər 

1

: one that tumbles: such as

a

: one who performs tumbling feats : acrobat

b

: any of various domestic pigeons that tumble or roll over backward in flight or on the ground

2

: a drinking glass without foot or stem and originally with pointed or convex base

3

a

: a movable obstruction in a lock (such as a lever, latch, wheel, slide, or pin) that must be adjusted to a particular position (as by a key) before the bolt can be thrown

b

: a piece on which the mainspring acts in a gun's lock

4

: a device or mechanism for tumbling (such as a revolving cage in which clothes are dried)

5

: a worker who operates a tumbler

tumblerful

ˈtəm-blər-ˌfu̇l 

noun

Examples of tumbler in a Sentence

She drank a tumbler of water.

a gymnast who's a skillful tumbler

Recent Examples on the Web

Also available is a new line of merchandise — including festive tumblers, water bottle, mugs and other cups — born from a collaboration with clothing brand Roller Rabbit. —Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Dec. 2025

The short, wide 8-ounce tumblers can also be used to serve any cocktails over ice as well as neat spirits like bourbon, rum, or gin. —Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Dec. 2025

In comparison, Stanley's 30-ounce tumblers can cost as much as $40, though sale prices can run around $20. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2025

Stock up now on tumblers, water bottles, and more in an array of colors — shopper favorites are already selling out. —Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 29 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

tumbler

noun

tum·​bler ˈtəm-blər 

1

: a person (as an acrobat) who tumbles

2

: a pigeon that often tumbles backward in flight

3

: a drinking glass

a water tumbler

4

: a movable part in a lock that must be adjusted (as by a key) before the lock will open