Tumbling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tumbling

[ˈtʌmbəlɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in acrobatics

Perform acrobatics such as somersaults, handsprings, or cartwheels, either on the ground or in the air.

Synonyms

cartwheel, flip, somersault, vault.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tumbling	Often used in gymnastics and acrobatics to describe sequences of acrobatic movements; can also refer generally to falling or rolling. She took tumbling classes to improve her gymnastics skills. The child went tumbling down the hill.
flip	Commonly used to describe a movement where the body rotates around an axis, particularly in gymnastics, diving, or parkour. It can also refer to the action of turning something over quickly. She landed a back flip with ease during her routine. He flipped the pancake in the air.
somersault	Used in gymnastics, diving, and acrobatics to describe a complete rotation of the body along the horizontal axis, typically forwards or backwards. He did a somersault off the diving board. The gymnast finished her routine with a series of somersaults.
cartwheel	Typically used in gymnastics and dance to describe a specific acrobatic movement where the body rotates sideways around its axis, supported by hands and feet. He performed a perfect cartwheel during the floor routine. Children love doing cartwheels in the park.
vault	Specifically used in gymnastics to refer to a type of apparatus and event where athletes leap over a vaulting table after sprinting; can also mean to leap vigorously. The gymnast stuck the landing after performing a challenging vault. He vaulted over the fence to escape.

Examples of usage

She was tumbling and flipping across the stage during her performance.
He tumbled effortlessly through the air, showcasing his acrobatic skills.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in a downward motion

Fall suddenly, clumsily, or headlong.

Synonyms

drop, fall, plunge, topple.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tumbling	Use 'tumbling' when describing an event where something continuously rolls or flips over itself, often in a somewhat uncontrolled or chaotic manner. The gymnast was tumbling gracefully across the mat. The rocks went tumbling down the hillside during the landslide.
fall	Use 'fall' for a general downward movement, typically due to gravity, and often used for accidents or natural occurrences. Leaves fall from the trees in autumn. He tripped on the curb and had a bad fall.
drop	Use 'drop' when something falls downward, usually from a certain height or level to a lower one, in a straightforward or vertical manner. She accidentally let the glass slip and it dropped to the floor. Temperatures are expected to drop significantly overnight.
plunge	Use 'plunge' when something moves downward quickly and with force, often into water or into a difficult situation. The diver took a deep breath and plunged into the pool. Stock prices plunged after the market crash.
topple	Use 'topple' to describe something that falls over from a standing position, often with a sense of imbalance or instability. Strong winds caused the tree to topple over. The stack of books was unsteady and eventually toppled.

Examples of usage

The books came tumbling off the shelf.
He lost his balance and tumbled down the stairs.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

in gymnastics

A gymnastic or acrobatic feat such as a somersault, handspring, or cartwheel.

Synonyms

acrobatics, flip, gymnastics, somersault.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tumbling	This term is often used to describe a series of acrobatic movements, such as rolls, flips, and twists, usually performed on the floor or a tumbling track. It's commonly associated with cheerleading, gymnastics, and martial arts. She excelled in tumbling routines during her gymnastics performance. The cheerleading squad practiced their tumbling moves intensively.
acrobatics	Acrobatics refers to a broader category of physical performance that includes flips, somersaults, and other feats of agility and coordination. It is often associated with circus acts, dance, and theatrical performances. The circus acrobats amazed the audience with their daring stunts. His acrobatics skills were impressive during the dance recital.
gymnastics	Gymnastics is a sport that involves exercises requiring physical strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. It often encompasses tumbling, flips, and other acrobatic maneuvers. She has been practicing gymnastics since she was five. The Olympics always feature awe-inspiring gymnastics events.
flip	This word is specifically used to describe a move where the person rotates forward or backward in the air. It’s commonly used in casual conversations when talking about individual acrobatic moves. He can do a backflip on the trampoline. She landed her flip perfectly during the competition.
somersault	A somersault refers to a complete forward or backward roll in the air, landing on the feet. It is a specific move usually seen in gymnastics and acrobatics. He did a somersault over the fence. She managed to perform a perfect somersault during her floor routine.

Examples of usage

She performed a series of tumblings on the balance beam.
The gymnasts showcased their tumblings during the competition.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Sports

Tumbling is a key component in gymnastics, where athletes perform acrobatic feats like flips and twists.
It is also used in cheerleading and acrobatics, showcasing strength and agility during performances.
Competitions often involve tumbling passes where gymnasts perform a series of connected skills, judged on difficulty and execution.

Physical Development

Tumbling helps develop coordination, balance, and body awareness, which are important for many sports and activities.
Children participating in tumbling activities often improve their motor skills and gain confidence in their physical abilities.
It is recommended for young children as a fun way to promote physical fitness and flexibility.

Art and Culture

In circus performances, tumblers showcase their skills as part of acrobatic acts, often thrilling audiences with their daredevil moves.
Tumbling can be seen in traditional dance forms, where elements of rolling and flipping are incorporated into the choreography.
Street dancers sometimes integrate tumbling skills into their routines, blending athleticism with artistic expression.

Psychology

Engaging in tumbling and similar physical activities can release endorphins, contributing to feelings of happiness and well-being.
Learning to tumble can teach resilience, as individuals must practice repeatedly to master their techniques and overcome falls.
For children, tumbling can serve as a constructive outlet for energy, helping to reduce anxiety and improve social skills through teamwork.

Origin of 'tumbling'

Main points about word origin

The word has roots in the Middle English term 'tumlun', which means to tumble or throw down.
Originally, it was linked to the twisting and rolling motion of objects such as acrobats or dice.
The modern use of the word began to take shape in the 16th century, especially in relation to gymnastics.

The word 'tumbling' originated from the Middle English term 'tumblen', which in turn came from the Old French word 'tomber', meaning 'to fall'. The use of 'tumbling' to describe acrobatic movements dates back to the 16th century, while the association with falling or descending quickly developed later on. Today, 'tumbling' is commonly used in the context of acrobatics, gymnastics, and falling in a rapid or uncontrolled manner.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,069, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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