stumble
verb (used without object)
to strike the foot against something, as in walking or running, so as to stagger or fall; trip.
stumbled
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past participleof stumble.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof stumble.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
stumbleverb (used without object)to strike the foot against something, as in walking or running, so as to stagger or fall; trip.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
SAN FRANCISCO—Alex Sorenson and Lizzie Silvers were about to tie the knot at an outdoor ceremony when a group of tipsy young men stumbled in out of the gloom, tittering at discovering nuptials in progress.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026
They stumbled to a 5-1 loss and extended their skid to a season-high five games and ensure a second straight series loss.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 5, 2026
I love a Snickers bar, so when I stumbled upon TikTok recipes for a five-ingredient date “Snickers,” I knew I had to try it.
From Salon ● Jul. 20, 2026
Then one day, she stumbled across a video of BTS performing Idol, a punchy 2018 hit, and fell for them.
From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026
Then, in the 1980s, local divers stumbled upon it but misidentified it as a Dutch merchant ship.
From "Shipwrecked!" by Martin W. Sandler
