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

Set to arrive on June 16, the Post Malone x Stanley collection will feature a limited edition of new tumblers and water bottles. —Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 13 May 2025

The lid has a rotating cover that can be moved into three distinct positions: to hold the reusable straw in place, to change to a wider opening for drinking directly from the tumbler, or to close the mouth opening fully. —Izzy Baskette, People.com, 27 Apr. 2025

Yes, there will be a water station for fans to use for empty, reusable tumblers or bottles that are not made with glass. —Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2025

There are other dishwasher-safe tumblers on this list with lids that are much easier to use. —Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 Apr. 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