stumble
verb (used without object)
to strike the foot against something, as in walking or running, so as to stagger or fall; trip.
had stumbled
-
past perfectof stumble.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
Guo had stumbled on a controversial practice in the fast-growing, loosely regulated business of prediction markets: issuing “clarifications” to betting contracts that are already being traded.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 13, 2026
At the time, the analysts noted that some U.S. consumers had stumbled upon a “real-life arbitrage,” as in certain cases it was “cheaper to fly to Europe than pay U.S. prices.”
From MarketWatch ● May 6, 2026
Welikala had stumbled upon one of L.A.’s more unlikely cultural phenomena: Public Assembly theater.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 2, 2026
Mason had stumbled over her words and talked about iguanas and the price of coffee as she reported on the day's sports events.
From BBC ● Feb. 18, 2026
He looked at the steps leading up to the side door of the house, remembering how Mary had stumbled last night and how he had held her up.
From "Native Son" by Richard Wright
