limber
1[ lim-ber ]
/ ˈlɪm bər /
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.
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Nearby words
Origin of limber
1First recorded in 1555–65; perhaps akin to limb1
Related forms
lim·ber·ly, adverblim·ber·ness, nounDefinition for limber (2 of 3)
limber
2[ 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).
Definition for limber (3 of 3)
limber
3[ 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
3Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for limber
British Dictionary definitions for limber (1 of 3)
limber
1/ (ˈlɪmbə) /
adjective
capable of being easily bent or flexed; pliant
able to move or bend freely; agile
Derived Forms
limberly, adverblimberness, nounWord Origin for limber
C16: origin uncertain
British Dictionary definitions for limber (2 of 3)
limber
2/ (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
3/ (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
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