tumbling

1 of 2

noun

tum·​bling ˈtəm-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce tumbling (audio)
: the skill, practice, or sport of executing gymnastic feats (such as somersaults and handsprings) without the use of apparatus

tumbling

2 of 2

adjective

: tipped or slanted out of the vertical
used especially of a cattle brand

Examples of tumbling in a Sentence

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.
Noun
Betty Laura Zapata | Bloomberg via Getty Images Financial technology firms were initially the biggest losers of interest rate hikes by global central banks in 2022, which led to tumbling valuations. Ryan Browne, CNBC, 13 May 2025 Helsley's electric fastball and tumbling slider will be at the top of teams' lists, and if the Diamondbacks wait and the Cardinals look to move him, the asking price could result in a bidding war among playoff hopefuls. Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
In the last few weeks of 2022 alone, Giuliani generated one more tumbling wave of negative publicity. John Marks, CNN, 7 Jan. 2023 The Senate majority leader represents the big-business wing of the Republican Party, and Wall Street, if the tumbling stock market is any indication, fears Trump’s protectionism will cause economic pain. Jeet Heer, The New Republic, 5 Apr. 2018 See All Example Sentences for tumbling

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1604, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

circa 1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tumbling was in 1604

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tumbling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tumbling. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on tumbling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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