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tumbler

A rotating device for smoothing and polishing rough objects, placed inside it, on relatively small parts.

ˈtʌmblɚDocumented since 1790sCurrent63 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
🍔 Food & Drink
3 definitions
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Seen in the wild
5 citations · last seen May 2026

Etymology timeline

Born ~1795 · 1 year of recorded use
1795Born2026: 5 citationsToday, 2026

Seen in the wild

Definitions

Global
#1·Apr 27, 2026Global

A rotating device for smoothing and polishing rough objects, placed inside it, on relatively small parts.

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Global
#2·Apr 27, 2026Global

(archaic) One who tumbles; one who plays tricks by various motions of the body.

For parents

Tumbler means: One who tumbles; one who plays tricks by various motions of the body.. The word is mostly archaic or historical; you will only encounter it in old texts, period drama, or school history rather than current teen conversation. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.

For ESL learners

tumbler means: One who tumbles; one who plays tricks by various motions of the body.. Register: archaic, historical. Almost never used today; you will find it only in older texts, dictionaries of dialect, or historical writing. Avoid in active vocabulary. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself.

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Global
#3·Apr 27, 2026Global

A movable obstruction in a lock, consisting of a lever, latch, wheel, slide, or the like, which must be adjusted to a particular position by a key or other means before the bolt can be thrown in locking or unlocking.

Heard in the wild
  • 🚨LIMITED TIME DEAL🚨 50-Oz Gpeng Insulated Stainless Steel Tumbler w/ Handle ONLY $10.99 (Reg. $22) 🔗👇 https://coupons.hunt4freebies.com/50-oz-gpeng-insulated-stainless-steel-tumbler/

    Bluesky· May 2026
  • no one asked but my fic and/or manuscript writing set-up is typically one big tumbler of coffee, a mug of water, ellipsus, and gacha grinding in the bg. Work writing is typically the same but instead it's on docs and the gacha is replaced by a calming playlist or podcast lmao

    Bluesky· May 2026
  • This is extremely disturbing, especially considering Tumbler Ridge. 💔 I hope the families see this report and can use it in their lawsuit. @cbcnews.ca

    Bluesky· May 2026
  • We convert most high-dollar produce into compost, then remove it from the fridge to the actual compost tumbler... Someday we'll actually EAT that expensive produce; but until then we are subsidizing farmers like we've destroyed their trade with tariffs...

    Bluesky· May 2026
  • what you prune off you can stick in a tumbler with water and see if she roots out. it'll take some time but it may work.

    Bluesky· May 2026
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