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

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

If the document was indeed written by Allen, Baragona said it would represent a fundamental change from the person he knew when they were making gimbals together at IJK Controls.

From Los Angeles Times • May 3, 2026

My newer gimbals are more powerful and precise, but I’d be lying if I don’t miss that charm of a gimbal that’s constantly rolling into a Dutch angle.

From The Verge • Mar. 10, 2021

It consists of a circular box, containing a fly or paper card, which represents the horizon, and is suspended by two concentric rings called gimbals.

From The Sailor's Word-Book An Alphabetical Digest of Nautical Terms, including Some More Especially Military and Scientific, but Useful to Seamen; as well as Archaisms of Early Voyagers, etc. by Belcher, Edward, Sir