limber

[ lim-ber ]

/ ˈlɪm bər /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR limber ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

characterized by ease in bending the body; supple; lithe.

bending readily; flexible; pliant.

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.

Nearby words

limb lead, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, limba, limbate, limbed, limber, limber hole, limber pine, limber up, limberneck, limbic

Origin of limber

First recorded in 1555–65; perhaps akin to limb¹

SYNONYMS FOR limber

2 pliable. See flexible.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR limber ON THESAURUS.COM

ANTONYMS FOR limber

1, 2 stiff.

2 rigid, unbending.

SEE MORE ANTONYMS FOR limber ON THESAURUS.COM

Related forms

lim·ber·ly, adverblim·ber·ness, noun

Definition for limber (2 of 3)

limber

[ lim-ber ]

/ ˈlɪm bər /

Military

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).

Origin of limber

1400–50; late Middle English lymo(u)r pole of a vehicle. See limb¹, -er¹

Definition for limber (3 of 3)

limber

[ 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

1620–30; perhaps < French lumière hole, light < Late Latin lūmināria; see luminaria

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for limber

The role eventually went to the limber Brit Andrew Garfield.
Josh Hutcherson on the J. Law Hacking Scandal and Life After 'The Hunger Games'|Marlow Stern|September 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Then, a long and limber girl with wide eyes and an uncanny resemblance to Rihanna grabs my hand and startles me by speaking.
A Mad Feast Is the Next 'Sleep No More'|Nina Strochlic|February 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A few reps of dynamic moves like toy soldiers and step-ups will get you warm and limber.
5 Exercises to Get Ski and Snowboard Ready|DailyBurn|January 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Watch the brave and limber artist go Cirque-du-Soleil style and dance with some provocative figures.
Michelle Obama pumps up the crowd, Karl Rove rides a Segway, and More Viral Videos|The Daily Beast Video|September 8, 2012|DAILY BEAST

Then he does an obstacle course to limber up, or some endurance work on the treadmill.
Personal Trainers for Fat Pets|Lenore Skenazy|September 24, 2010|DAILY BEAST
"We seen the beginning of it," Limber began, and Powell scenting a story, settled with delighted anticipation.
The Long Dim Trail|Forrestine C. Hooker
And he can do it without being full of cider, too; he don't need any apple juice to limber his tongue!
The Village Watch-Tower|(AKA Kate Douglas Riggs) Kate Douglas Wiggin
I'll send you out to Frisco in a chorus that'll limber you up, all right, but I won't let you stay long.
Just Around the Corner|Fannie Hurst
She was just beautiful––slim and limber and long––what you might imagine a nymph would look like if she got loose in a music-hall.
The Cup of Fury|Rupert Hughes
Limber thanked him and tied it across the back of his saddle, glancing up at the threatening sky.
The Long Dim Trail|Forrestine C. Hooker

British Dictionary definitions for limber (1 of 3)

limber

/ (ˈlɪmbə) /

adjective

capable of being easily bent or flexed; pliant

able to move or bend freely; agile

Derived Forms

limberly, adverblimberness, noun

Word Origin for limber

C16: origin uncertain

British Dictionary definitions for limber (2 of 3)

limber

/ (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)

limber

/ (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 Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012