Finesentence logo

Shambling: meaning, definitions and examples

🚶‍♂️
Add to dictionary

shambling

 

[ ˈʃæm.bəl.ɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

movement style

Shambling refers to a way of walking that is characterized by a shuffling or unsteady gait. This type of movement often appears awkward or lazy, as if the person is dragging their feet rather than lifting them. Shambling can be indicative of various physical conditions or simply a relaxed manner of walking. It is commonly associated with fatigue or a lack of energy.

Synonyms

lolloping, shuffling, slouching

Examples of usage

  • The tired dog was shambling along the path.
  • After a long day, he was shambling back home.
  • She moved with a shambling gait after the marathon.

Translations

Translations of the word "shambling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 deslocando-se de maneira desajeitada

🇮🇳 लड़खड़ाते हुए चलना

🇩🇪 torkeln

🇮🇩 berjalan sempoyongan

🇺🇦 захитуючись

🇵🇱 chwiejnym krokiem

🇯🇵 よろよろ歩く

🇫🇷 marcher en titubant

🇪🇸 caminar tambaleándose

🇹🇷 sarsılarak yürümek

🇰🇷 휘청거리며 걷다

🇸🇦 يمشي بتعثر

🇨🇿 kymácet

🇸🇰 kymácať

🇨🇳 摇摇晃晃地走

🇸🇮 tresočiti

🇮🇸 skakklast

🇰🇿 шалығу

🇬🇪 იწყება

🇦🇿 titrəmək

🇲🇽 caminar tambaleándose

Word origin

The word 'shambling' originates from the Old English term 'sceamelian' which means 'to walk or move unsteadily.' It is related to the Middle English 'shamble' and is often associated with the slow, awkward manner of walking. The root of the word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic '*skamalan' meaning 'to move' and reflects the natural evolution of language over time. Shambling gained popularity in literary descriptions of characters in various forms of media, often used to depict a sense of fatigue or distress. The concept of shambling is often portrayed in literature and film, particularly in horror genres, to represent the slow, lumbering movement of zombies or tired beings.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,879 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.