tumbleweed Definition
a plant, especially a type of wild grass, that breaks off from its roots when it dies and is blown across the ground by the wind.
Using tumbleweed: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tumbleweed" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The sight of a tumbleweed blowing across the road is a common one in the American West.
Example
The old western movies often feature tumbleweeds rolling across the desert.
Example
The tumbleweed was used as a symbol of loneliness in the movie 'High Noon'.
tumbleweed Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with tumbleweed
an awkward silence or pause in conversation
Example
After his joke fell flat, there was a tumbleweed moment in the room.
a place that is deserted or abandoned
Example
The once-thriving mining town is now a tumbleweed town.
a diet that consists mainly of low-calorie foods with little nutritional value
Example
She lost weight on the tumbleweed diet, but her doctor warned her about the lack of nutrients.
Summary: tumbleweed in Brief
'Tumbleweed' [ˈtʌmbəlwiːd] refers to a plant, usually a type of wild grass, that has broken off from its roots and is blown across the ground by the wind. It is a common sight in the American West and is often used in movies as a symbol of loneliness. The phrase 'tumbleweed moment' refers to an awkward silence or pause in conversation.