galumph

American  

[guh-luhmf] / gəˈlʌmf /

verb (used without object)

1. to move along heavily and clumsily.

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galumph British  

/ -ˈlʌmf, ɡəˈlʌmpf /

verb

1. informal (intr) to leap or move about clumsily or joyfully

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Etymology

Origin of galumph

1872; phonesthemic invention of Lewis Carroll, perhaps blend of gallop and triumphant

Example Sentences

The growing closeness between Olive, played with quiet radiance by Ms. Rogers, and William, whom Mr. McHale renders with galumphing gawkiness, forms another affecting strand of the score.

From The Wall Street Journal

Yet the thought of Lord Fredrick galumphing blindly through the woods with a hunting rifle at his side was even worse.

From Literature

At the word “elephant,” the children started galumphing around, laughing and making loud trumpeting noises.

From Literature

Children and adults alike came to visit Yulia, who was basking on the beach behind protective metal bars, sometimes galumphing in the sand, apparently not bothered by her audience.

From Reuters

The bassoons galumphed; the strings ennobled passages of sincerity; and the horns had it both ways, sometimes jocular, sometimes expressive.

From New York Times

Related Words

• plod
• shuffle
• slog
• trudge
• trundle
• waddle