Definition of: tumble

(tum′bəl) v. ·bled, ·bling v.i.
1. To roll or toss about.
2. To perform acrobatic feats, as somersaults, etc.
3. To fall violently or awkwardly.
4. To move in a careless or headlong manner; stumble.
5. Colloq. To understand; comprehend: with to.
6. Metall. To smooth, clean, or polish, as castings, by friction with each other or with a polishing material, in a rotating box or barrel.
—v.t.
7. To toss carelessly; cause to fall.
8. To throw into disorder or confusion; disturb; rumple.
—noun
1. The act of tumbling; a fall.
2. A state of disorder or confusion. [ME tumbel, freq. of tumben, OE tumbian fall, leap]
—tum′bling noun