tumble

[ˈtʌmbl]

tumble Definition

  • 1to fall suddenly and clumsily down from a height
  • 2to roll over and over, or to cause someone or something to do this
  • 3to decrease suddenly and quickly in value or amount

Using tumble: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tumble" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The child tumbled down the stairs.

  • Example

    The rocks tumbled down the hillside.

  • Example

    She tumbled off the bike and scraped her knee.

  • Example

    The stock market tumbled after the announcement of the new policy.

  • Example

    The company's profits have tumbled in recent years.

tumble Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for tumble

Antonyms for tumble

Phrases with tumble

  • to fall down suddenly and often unexpectedly

    Example

    I took a tumble on the ice and hurt my back.

  • to dry clothes in a machine that uses hot air to make them dry and smooth

    Example

    Be sure to tumble dry this shirt on low heat.

  • to suddenly understand or realize something

    Example

    It wasn't until I saw the look on her face that I tumbled to what had happened.

Origins of tumble

from Old English 'tumbian', meaning 'to dance around'

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Summary: tumble in Brief

The verb 'tumble' [ˈtʌmbl] describes sudden and clumsy falls from a height, rolling over and over, or quick decreases in value or amount. Examples include 'The child tumbled down the stairs,' and 'The stock market tumbled after the announcement of the new policy.' Phrases like 'take a tumble' and 'tumble dry' add nuance to the term, while 'tumble to something' means to suddenly understand or realize something.

How do native speakers use this expression?