tumbling

American  

[tuhm-bling] / ˈtʌm blɪŋ /

noun

1. the act, practice, or art of performing acrobatic tumbles, usually on a mat or the ground.

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Etymology

Origin of tumbling

First recorded in 1375–1425, tumbling is from the late Middle English word tomblyng. See tumble, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Instead, we talked for hours, our words tumbling over each other like we’d been rehearsing for years.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Stocks have hit a fresh low for the year, while the inflation concerns caused by spiking energy prices means supposed havens like Treasurys have been tumbling too, sending yields sharply higher.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 20, 2026

Europe’s threat sent markets tumbling and caused Trump to back off.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

Infiniti oozed glamour in a lilac sleeveless Louis Vuitton dress with a fitted bodice and a cascade of ruffles tumbling from her hip to the floor, creating a long train.

From Barron's • Mar. 15, 2026

Setting up the men on his tiny board, he’d play game after game alone, first assuming the white side and then spinning the board around, with some pieces often tumbling onto the floor.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Related Words

• plunging