Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

trundle

[truhn-dl]
See more synonyms for trundle on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object), trun·dled, trun·dling.
  1. to cause (a circular object) to roll along; roll.
  2. to convey or move in a wagon, cart, or other wheeled vehicle; wheel: The farmer trundled his produce to market in a rickety wagon.
  3. Archaic. to cause to rotate; twirl; spin.
Show More
verb (used without object), trun·dled, trun·dling.
  1. to roll along.
  2. to move or run on a wheel or wheels.
  3. to travel in a wheeled vehicle: He got into his car and trundled downtown.
  4. to move or walk with a rolling gait.
Show More
noun
  1. a small wheel, roller, or the like.
  2. a lantern wheel.
  3. each of the bars of a lantern wheel.
  4. a truck or carriage on low wheels.
Show More

Origin of trundle

First recorded in 1555–65; variant of trindle
Related formstrun·dler, nounun·trun·dled, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

bunkmattresscotcribcouchslogshuffletrudgewaddleplodtrundlewhirlswiveltwisttwirlpivotrevolvespinwheelshell

Examples from the Web for trundle

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

  • “In other words, you direct me to trundle on board as fast as I can,” said Adair.

    The Three Commanders

    W.H.G. Kingston

  • There were plenty of others who wanted to trundle the wheelbarrow.

    The Tale of Jimmy Rabbit

    Arthur Scott Bailey

  • Chicken Little was to sleep in the trundle bed with Katy and Gertie.

    Chicken Little Jane

    Lily Munsell Ritchie

  • Some of the youngsters were tucked away in trundle beds, you may be sure.

  • “Only Trundle there,” i.e., only that poor insignificant thing there!

    Pickwickian Studies

    Percy Fitzgerald

British Dictionary definitions for trundle

trundle

verb
  1. to move heavily on or as if on wheelsthe bus trundled by
  2. (tr) archaic to rotate or spin
Show More
noun
  1. the act or an instance of trundling
  2. a small wheel or roller
    1. the pinion of a lantern
    2. any of the bars in a lantern pinion
  4. a small truck with low wheels
Show More

Word Origin

Old English tryndel; related to Middle High German trendel disc
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

Word Origin and History for trundle

1540s (implied in trundle bed "low bed on small wheels"), possibly from Middle English trendle "wheel, suspended hoop" (early 14c.), from Old English trendel "ring, disk" (see trend). Also probably in part from Old French trondeler "to roll," which is of Germanic origin.

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper