tumble Definition

tumble
verb tumbled, tumbling

tr & intr
1. To fall or make someone or something fall headlong, especially suddenly or clumsily.

Thesaurus: stumble, topple, roll, pitch, fall.
Form: tumble down, over (often)
intr
2. To fall or collapse suddenly, especially in value or amount.
tr & intr
3. To roll over and over or toss around helplessly.

Example: The kids tumbled around in the garden
Form: tumble about, around (often)
intr
4. To perform as an acrobat, especially turning somersaults.
intr
5. To move or rush in a confused hasty way.

Example: tumble out of the car
6. To rumple or disorder.

Example: tumble the bedclothes
7. colloq
To understand, realize or become aware of, especially suddenly.
Example: tumbled to their intentions
Form: tumble to something (also)
8. To dry (wet laundry) in a tumble-drier.

noun

1. An act of tumbling.
2. A fall.
3. A somersault.
4. A confused or untidy state or heap.

Derivative: tumbling
noun, adj

Idiom: take a tumble to oneself

colloq
To take a look at one's situation and do something to improve it.
Example: It's two years since he left school and he's never had a job ― I wish he'd take a tumble to himself

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon tumbian.