This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
cumber
[ kuhm-ber ]
/ ˈkʌm bər /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used with object)
to hinder; hamper.
to overload; burden.
to inconvenience; trouble.
noun
a hindrance.
something that cumbers.
Archaic. embarrassment; trouble.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Origin of cumber
1250–1300; Middle English cumbre (noun), cumbren (v.), aphetic variant of acumbren to harass, defeat; see encumber
OTHER WORDS FROM cumber
cum·ber·er, nouncum·ber·ment, nouno·ver·cum·ber, verb (used with object)un·cum·bered, adjectiveWords nearby cumber
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use cumber in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for cumber
cumber
/ (ˈkʌmbə) /
verb (tr)
to obstruct or hinder
obsolete to inconvenience
noun
a hindrance or burden
Derived forms of cumber
cumberer, nounWord Origin for cumber
C13: probably from Old French combrer to impede, prevent, from combre barrier; see encumber
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012