WordGarden.iotumble
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /tˈʌmbəl/
US
- /ˈtəmbəl/
Meanings
Verb
to fall suddenly, roll over, or move in an uncontrolled way
to fall sharply in amount, value, or level
to perform acrobatic flips and rolling movements
Noun
a fall, spill, or uncontrolled rolling movement
Beyond the definition
To tumble means to fall down in a rolling or uncontrolled way. Think of a baby learning to walk—they don't just fall; they tumble! It can also describe things collapsing suddenly, like a stack of books or a tower of blocks. A "tumbleweed" gets its name because it literally tumbles across the landscape, blown by the wind.
The word evokes a sense of playful chaos or an unexpected descent. You might tumble down a grassy hill while playing, or a politician's reputation could tumble after a scandal. It isn't always a sign of a mistake; in sports, tumbling is an impressive skill, like when gymnasts perform flips and rolls across the floor.
To tumble is to fall or move in an uncontrolled, rolling manner. It suggests a lack of grace and often implies a bit of clumsiness. Imagine a playful puppy bounding around—it is much more likely to tumble than simply fall. The phrase "The hikers tumbled down the rocky slope" paints a picture of a chaotic descent, perhaps with some startled laughter mixed in.
But tumbling isn't limited to people or animals. Objects can tumble too! A stack of papers might tumble from a desk, or an old building could tumble into ruin after years of neglect. In this sense, it suggests a sudden and often dramatic collapse.
The word also has a specific botanical connection. A "tumbleweed" is a plant that breaks off at the root and is blown around by the wind, tumbling across the landscape. This image evokes vast, open spaces and the spirit of the Wild West.
Figuratively, "tumble" describes a sudden decrease or decline. For example, stock prices might "tumble" after bad news, or a sports team might tumble down the rankings after a loss.
So whether it's a playful roll, a dramatic collapse, a wind-blown plant, or a rapid descent—to tumble is about moving in a rolling, often unpredictable way. It can be chaotic, comical, or even spectacularly athletic, depending on the context.
Examples
- 1
Child fall
The toddler lost his balance and tumbled onto the carpet.
- 2
Falling rocks
Rocks tumbled down the hillside after the heavy rain.
- 3
Minor fall
She slipped on the ice and took a tumble.
- Phrasetake a tumble
fall
- 4
Weak structure
The old wall could tumble down in a strong wind.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Market drop
House prices tumbled after the new tax was announced.
- 6
Sudden confession
When he finally started talking, the whole story came tumbling out.
- Phrasecome tumbling out
come out quickly and all at once
- 7
Exhaustion
We were so tired after the trip that we just tumbled into bed.
- Phrasetumble into bed
get into bed quickly because you are very tired
- 8
Energetic movement
The children tumbled out of the car and ran to the beach.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- tumblenounverb
Forms
- tumbling-ing formverbnoun
- tumbledpast tenseverbnoun
- tumblespluralnounverb