tumbling

[ tuhm-bling ]

noun

1. the act, practice, or art of performing acrobatic tumbles, usually on a mat or the ground.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tumbling¹

First recorded in 1375–1425, tumbling is from the late Middle English word tomblyng. See tumble, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

There are "heavily armed gladiators riding a charging rhinoceros" and "wounded men tumbling from boats into the jaws of ravenous sharks" during the nautical battle staged in the flooded pit of the Colosseum.

From BBC

Orange Lutheran picked off three passes on defense, Cuneo making the last on a tumbling interception in the end zone for a touchback with 4:10 left.

From Los Angeles Times

The firm's sales have been tumbling as consumers see their budgets squeezed by the rising cost of living.

From BBC

Both men then hit the canvas in the eighth round, grappling before tumbling and almost falling through the ropes in a bout that was occasionally chaotic but always watchable.

From BBC

"When I'm following the path I want to follow, tumbling and falling down doesn't matter," she tells the BBC.

From BBC