tumbling Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun the gymnastic moves of an acrobat
   acrobatics.
   
2. verb fall down, as if collapsing
   topple; tumble.
   
   • The tower of the World Trade Center tumbled after the plane hit it
3. verb cause to topple or tumble by pushing
   tip; topple; tumble.
   
4. verb roll over and over, back and forth
   tumble.
   
5. verb fly around
   whirl; whirl around; tumble.
   
   • The clothes tumbled in the dryer
   • rising smoke whirled in the air
6. verb fall apart
   collapse; tumble; crumple; break down; crumble.
   
   • the building crumbled after the explosion
   • Negotiations broke down
7. verb throw together in a confused mass
   tumble.
   
   • They tumbled the teams with no apparent pattern
8. verb understand, usually after some initial difficulty
   get it; catch on; latch on; tumble; get wise; get onto; twig; cotton on.
   
   • She didn't know what her classmates were plotting but finally caught on
9. verb fall suddenly and sharply
   tumble.
   
   • Prices tumbled after the devaluation of the currency
10. verb put clothes in a tumbling barrel, where they are whirled about in hot air, usually with the purpose of drying
    tumble.
    
    • Wash in warm water and tumble dry
11. verb suffer a sudden downfall, overthrow, or defeat
    tumble.
    
12. verb do gymnastics, roll and turn skillfully
    tumble.
    

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