Tumble

/ˈtʌm.bəl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a sudden fall or collapse

She took a tumble on the ice and sprained her ankle.

a series of movements in which someone or something falls and goes over and over

The gymnast executed a perfect tumble on the mat.

verb

to fall suddenly and helplessly

The child tumbled down the hill while playing.

to roll or fall over and over

The leaf tumbled across the pavement in the wind.

to move or cause to move in a rapid, unsteady way

The sheaves of grain tumbled from the back of the truck.

Middle English 'tumblen', from Old French 'tumblr', meaning 'to tumble'.

take a tumble

To fall or stumble unexpectedly.

tumble down

To fall or collapse downwards.

tumble to something

To suddenly understand or realize something.

tumbler

A device used for tumbling or the action related to rolling.

tumbling

The act of falling or rolling over.

tumbleweed

A plant that breaks off and tumbles along the ground.

To be in a situation of chaos or trouble.

After the scandal, the company was really tumbling.

To engage in acrobatic or gymnastic movements.

The kids are tumbling in the gym this afternoon.