tumbler

noun

tum·​bler ˈtəm-blər 

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 

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

Choose from classic styles, vegan leather designs with interchangeable straps, clear styles great for summer events and tumbler compatible styles. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2026

Avoid any drink mishaps altogether with shatterproof tumblers like these. —Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2026

These tumblers retail for just $10 and are dishwasher safe. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Apr. 2026

In addition to the viral popcorn bucket, the companies are offering limited-edition sunglasses, promotional runway magazine, blanket, and wine tumbler. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

tumbler

noun

tum·​bler ˈtəm-blər 

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