galumph

[ guh-luhmf ]

verb (used without object)

1. to move along heavily and clumsily.

galumph

/ -ˈlʌmf; ɡəˈlʌmpf /

verb

1. informal.
   intr to leap or move about clumsily or joyfully

Word History and Origins

Origin of galumph¹

1872; phonesthemic invention of Lewis Carroll, perhaps blend of gallop and triumphant

Word History and Origins

Origin of galumph¹

C19 (coined by Lewis Carroll): probably a blend of gallop + triumph

Example Sentences

Children and adults alike came to visit Yulia, who was basking on the beach behind protective metal bars, sometimes galumphing in the sand, apparently not bothered by her audience.

From Reuters

The bassoons galumphed; the strings ennobled passages of sincerity; and the horns had it both ways, sometimes jocular, sometimes expressive.

From New York Times

Fischer, spying the chess table, galumphed to the center of the stage and immediately lifted the white queen, testing its weight.

From Literature

A second sea lion then joined in on the exodus, galumphing toward swimmers who went into the water.

From Los Angeles Times

In a skeleton drawing of a galumphing, long-gone dodo, a litany of bodily and emotional states, including guilt and yellow bile, is interwoven with attempts to cope — witchcraft, too much sex, strong imagination and more.

From Los Angeles Times