Tumbling

/ˈtʌm.bəl.ɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A tumbling movement or series of movements.

The toddler had a lot of fun doing his first tumbling in the park.

A form of gymnastics that includes acrobatic maneuvers.

She enrolled in a tumbling class to improve her flexibility and strength.

verb

To fall or roll over repeatedly.

The tumbling leaves danced in the autumn breeze.

To perform acrobatic movements such as rolls and flips.

The gymnast was tumbling on the mat during her routine.

To move in a chaotic or uncoordinated way.

The children were tumbling down the hill, laughing all the way.

Middle English tumblings, from tumblen, from Old French tumbler, from Latin tumulare (to tumble).

tumbling down

to fall in a disorderly manner

tumbling dice

random and unpredictable outcomes

tumbling block

a block that can fall easily, symbolic of a precarious situation

tumble

to fall or roll suddenly

somersault

an acrobatic movement in which the person turns head over heels

flip

to turn over or rotate quickly

To mess up or fail dramatically.

He tumbled in his presentation when he forgot his lines.

To go out for a fun or carefree time, often involving dancing or partying.

Let's go tumbling tonight at the club!