tumbling

American  

[tuhm-bling] / ˈtʌm blɪŋ /

noun

1. the act, practice, or art of performing acrobatic tumbles, usually on a mat or the ground.

---

Etymology

Origin of tumbling

First recorded in 1375–1425, tumbling is from the late Middle English word tomblyng. See tumble, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Global oil prices were in freefall, with Brent contracts for June delivery tumbling more than 13% to change hands at $83.37 a barrel, the lowest since March 5.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

It has been 9,113 days since they were relegated - by a 3-2 defeat at Aston Villa on 5 May 2001 - with the Sky Blues then tumbling to the brink.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

The merger effort had dismayed investors, who sent Netflix shares tumbling as much as 30%.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

At Forde Abbey on the Dorset-Somerset border, with roots stretching back 900 years, the walled garden is stuffed with robust cabbages and tumbling sweetpeas.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

As Peach gagged, Dismay banged into the rose of Sharon bushes and yelped, then bounced into the current and was swept away, tumbling under the water.

From Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles

Related Words

• plunging