Search Dictionary
Definition of tumbling

tumbling

/ˈtʌm.blɪŋ/
tum · bling
Plural:tumblings
JUMP TO:

tumbling Lexical Profile

tumbling Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The skill, practice, or sport of performing acrobatic and gymnastic exercises, such as somersaults, flips, and handsprings, typically on mats and without the use of apparatus.

Example

"She signed her daughter up for tumbling classes to help channel her boundless energy into acrobatics."

2

The act of falling helplessly, rolling around, or moving in a clumsy, uncontrolled manner.

Example

"We could hear the loud tumbling of loose rocks as the minor landslide cascaded down the mountain."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for tumbling
Antonyms
View all antonyms for tumbling

• Rhymes for tumbling

• Nearby Words

tumbledown
tumbler
tumbleweed
tumbling
tumbling falls
tumen
tummy

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the verb 'tumble', which traces back to the Old English 'tumbian' (to dance, leap, or tumble), combined with the gerund suffix '-ing'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Tumbling. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/tumbling
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.