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gimbals

American  
[gim-buhlz, jim-] / ˈgɪm bəlz, ˈdʒɪm- /

noun

(used with a singular verb)
  1. Sometimes gimbal. a contrivance, consisting of a ring or base on an axis, that permits an object, as a ship's compass, mounted in or on it to tilt freely in any direction, in effect suspending the object so that it will remain horizontal even when its support is tipped.


gimbals British  
/ ˈdʒɪmbəlz, ˈɡɪm- /

plural noun

  1. Also called: gimbal ring. a device, consisting of two or three pivoted rings at right angles to each other, that provides free suspension in all planes for an object such as a gyroscope, compass, chronometer, etc

"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

Etymology

Origin of gimbals

First recorded in 1570–80; alteration of gimmal


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.

See Examples For:

Boeing pieces together gimbals, circuit boards and wiring for the seekers in the missile’s nose.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 9, 2026

Kevin Baragona said he and Allen worked together “making stabilized gimbals for Hollywood” at IJK for about six months.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 3, 2026

An aluminum truss provided infrastructure, and custom joints, gimbals and animatronics gave the astronaut life.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 10, 2026

The new gimbals, DJI RS 3 and RS 3 Pro, will be available today for a starting price of $549 and $869, respectively.

From The Verge ● Jun. 15, 2022

They are set like a compass on gimbals.

From Japanese Fairy World Stories from the Wonder-Lore of Japan by Ozawa

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