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.

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gimbals British  

/ ˈɡɪm-, ˈdʒɪmbəlz /

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

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Etymology

Origin of gimbals

First recorded in 1570–80; alteration of gimmal

Example Sentences

There are no digital doubles in that sequence, but real stunt performers aboard a ship that’s not a miniature but a massive structure that moves thanks to a giant gimbal.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2026

To make it feel even more dangerous, we had the gimbal shaking the plane.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 2024

He gave a detailed explanation, saying the UFOs were nothing but glare from the Navy jet’s gimbal system, a tool that uses motors and intelligent sensors to support and stabilize a camera.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 14, 2022

There’s also an intense crop if you use both electronic and gimbal stabilization that makes it very difficult to film anything in close quarters.

From The Verge • Aug. 27, 2022

The barometer on shipboard should be suspended on a gimbal frame, which ought not to swing too freely, but rather so as to deaden oscillations by some degree of friction.

From The Hurricane Guide Being An Attempt To Connect The Rotary Gale Or Revolving Storm With Atmospheric Waves. by Birt, William Radcliff