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cumber
[ kuhm-ber ]
/ ˈkʌm bər /
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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.
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ARE YOU A TRUE BLUE CHAMPION OF THESE "BLUE" SYNONYMS?
We could talk until we're blue in the face about this quiz on words for the color "blue," but we think you should take the quiz and find out if you're a whiz at these colorful terms.
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Which of the following words describes “sky blue”?
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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. 2021
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
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