jumble

[juhm-buhl]

verb (used with object)

jumbled, jumbling 

1. to mix in a confused mass; put or throw together without order.

   You've jumbled up all the cards.

   Antonyms: separate

2. to confuse mentally; muddle.

verb (used without object)

jumbled, jumbling 

1. to be mixed together in a disorderly heap or mass.

2. to meet or come together confusedly.

noun

1. a mixed or disordered heap or mass.

   a jumble of paper clips, rubber bands, and string.

2. a confused mixture; medley.

3. a state of confusion or disorder.

   Synonyms: chaos, muddle, mess, gallimaufry, farrago, hodgepodge
   Antonyms: order

4. Also jumbal a small, round, flat cake or cookie with a hole in the middle.

jumble

/ ˈdʒʌmbəl /

verb

1. to mingle (objects, papers, etc) in a state of disorder

2. (tr; usually passive) to remember in a confused form; muddle

noun

1. a disordered mass, state, etc

2. articles donated for a jumble sale

3. Also called: jumbal. a small thin cake, usually ring-shaped

Other Word Forms

• jumbly adjective
• jumbler noun
• jumblement noun
• jumblingly adverb
• unjumbled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of jumble¹

1520–30; perhaps blend of joll to bump (now dial.) and tumble

Word History and Origins

Origin of jumble¹

C16: of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

In principle, each state promised to respect the citizens of sister states, but the provision containing that promise was a jumble.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

They then sent a complicated jumble of computer code and asked me to run it as a command on my work laptop and report back what it said.

Read more on BBC

Half-filled duffle bags littered the floor of the Dodgers clubhouse Sunday afternoon while a jumble of suitcases stood inside the locker room door.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The heist piece is straightforward, but at times the fallout distractingly jumbles the puzzle.

Read more on Salon

The film is teeming with viral headlines — serious, frivolous or false — jumbled together on computer screens screaming for attention in the same all-caps font.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• assortment 
• mishmash 
• pastiche 
• patchwork 
• tangle