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limber
1[ lim-ber ]
/ ˈlɪm bər /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
adjective
verb (used without object)
to make oneself limber (usually followed by up): to limber up before the game.
verb (used with object)
to make (something) limber (usually followed by up): She tried to limber up her wits before the exam.
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ARE YOU A TRUE BLUE CHAMPION OF THESE "BLUE" SYNONYMS?
We could talk until we're blue in the face about this quiz on words for the color "blue," but we think you should take the quiz and find out if you're a whiz at these colorful terms.
Question 1 of 8
Which of the following words describes “sky blue”?
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Origin of limber
1First recorded in 1555–65; of uncertain origin; perhaps akin to limb1
synonym study for limber
2. See flexible.
OTHER WORDS FROM limber
lim·ber·ly, adverblim·ber·ness, nounWords nearby limber
limb, limba, limbate, limb bud, limbed, limber, limber hole, limberneck, limber pine, limber up, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy
Other definitions for limber (2 of 3)
limber2
[ lim-ber ]
/ ˈlɪm bər /
noun
a two-wheeled vehicle, originally pulled by four or six horses, behind which is towed a field gun or caisson.
verb (used with object)
to attach the limber to (a gun) in preparation for moving away (sometimes followed by up).
verb (used without object)
to attach a limber to a gun (usually followed by up).
Other definitions for limber (3 of 3)
limber3
[ lim-ber ]
/ ˈlɪm bər /
noun
Usually limbers. Nautical. a passage or gutter in which seepage collects to be pumped away, located on each side of a central keelson; bilge.
Origin of limber
3First recorded in 1620–30; of uncertain origin; perhaps from French lumière “hole, perforation,” literally, “light,” from Late Latin lūmināria; see origin at luminaria
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use limber in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for limber (1 of 3)
limber1
/ (ˈlɪmbə) /
adjective
capable of being easily bent or flexed; pliant
able to move or bend freely; agile
Derived forms of limber
limberly, adverblimberness, nounWord Origin for limber
C16: origin uncertain
British Dictionary definitions for limber (2 of 3)
limber2
/ (ˈlɪmbə) /
noun
part of a gun carriage, often containing ammunition, consisting of an axle, pole, and two wheels, that is attached to the rear of an item of equipment, esp field artillery
verb
(usually foll by up) to attach the limber (to a gun, etc)
Word Origin for limber
C15 lymour shaft of a gun carriage, origin uncertain
British Dictionary definitions for limber (3 of 3)
limber3
/ (ˈlɪmbə) /
noun
(often plural) nautical (in the bilge of a vessel) a fore-and-aft channel through a series of holes in the frames (limber holes) where water collects and can be pumped out
Word Origin for limber
C17: probably changed from French lumière hole (literally: light)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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