First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1stumble
verb stum·ble \ˈstəm-bəl\
: to hit your foot on something when you are walking or running so that you fall or almost fall
: to walk in an awkward way
: to speak or act in an awkward way
stum·bledstum·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\
Full Definition of STUMBLE
intransitive verb
1
a : to fall into sin or waywardness b : to make an error : blunder c : to come to an obstacle to belief
2
: to trip in walking or running
3
a : to walk unsteadily or clumsily b : to speak or act in a hesitant or faltering manner
4
a : to come unexpectedly or by chance <stumble onto the truth> b : to fall or move carelessly
transitive verb
1
: to cause to stumble : trip
See stumble defined for English-language learners
See stumble defined for kids
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Origin of STUMBLE
Middle English, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Norwegian dialect stumle to stumble
2stumble
noun
STUMBLING Defined for Kids
1stumble
verb stum·ble \ˈstəm-bəl\
stum·bledstum·bling
Definition of STUMBLE for Kids
1
: to trip in walking, running, or dancing
2
: to walk unsteadily <She stumbled around in the dark.>
3
: to speak or act in a clumsy manner <The student stumbled through his presentation.>
4
: to come unexpectedly or accidentally <We stumbled onto a clue.>
2stumble
noun
Definition of STUMBLE for Kids
: an act or instance of tripping or walking unsteadily
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