tumbler

noun

tum·​bler ˈtəm-blər How to pronounce tumbler (audio)
Synonyms of tumblernext
1
: one that tumbles: such as
a
: one who performs tumbling feats : acrobat
b
: any of various domestic pigeons that tumble or roll over backward in flight or on the ground
2
: a drinking glass without foot or stem and originally with pointed or convex base
3
a
: a movable obstruction in a lock (such as a lever, latch, wheel, slide, or pin) that must be adjusted to a particular position (as by a key) before the bolt can be thrown
b
: a piece on which the mainspring acts in a gun's lock
4
: a device or mechanism for tumbling (such as a revolving cage in which clothes are dried)
5
: a worker who operates a tumbler
tumblerful
ˈtəm-blər-ˌfu̇l How to pronounce tumbler (audio)
noun

Examples of tumbler in a Sentence

She drank a tumbler of water. a gymnast who's a skillful tumbler
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Water Bottles Water bottles and tumblers tend to take up valuable cabinet storage space since they’re often given away as a gift from others. — Sheila Kim, The Spruce, 26 Aug. 2026 The tumblers — including Jesse White himself at 92 years old — made their live debut. — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026 It’s caused a welcome resurgence that has staying power, as hostesses trade single-use trays for glass platters and creative shoppers purchase tumblers to store their makeup brushes. — Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2026 But if you’re intimidated by the strong stuff, these tumblers also make great water glasses. — Mina Dragani, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tumbler

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tumbler was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

tumble mustard
tumbler
tumbler bearing
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tumbler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tumbler. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tumbler

noun
tum·​bler ˈtəm-blər How to pronounce tumbler (audio)
1
: a person (as an acrobat) who tumbles
2
: a pigeon that often tumbles backward in flight
3
: a drinking glass
a water tumbler
4
: a movable part in a lock that must be adjusted (as by a key) before the lock will open

More from Merriam-Webster on tumbler

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for tumbler

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