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

The line of drinkware includes an assortment of tumblers and cold cups adorned with hearts, flowers and pink and red hues, according to Starbucks. —Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025

The masses love Yeti tumblers for their superb insulation, kitchen-grade stainless steel build, spill-proof design, and unbeatable sleekness. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 29 Jan. 2025

This tumbler features a shimmering red hue and an adorable straw that looks just like a candy cane! —Sarah Boyd, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

Mug $30 $26 Fellow This tumbler is sleeker than any cup needs to be, honestly. —Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 31 Jan. 2025

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