1 B2 informal
To enter a place clumsily, nearly falling or rolling as one does so.
"The puppies tumbled in through the back door, knocking over a plant pot."
inseparable
tumble in
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To enter a place in a clumsy, rolling, or uncontrolled manner.
In plain English
To stumble or fall your way into a place, usually in an unsteady or messy way.
What does "tumble in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 informal
To get into bed in an exhausted or rushed way.
"After the long journey, they just tumbled in and fell asleep immediately."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To roll or fall while moving inward.
Actually means
To stumble or fall your way into a place, usually in an unsteady or messy way.
Usage tip
Often implies loss of balance or a boisterous entry, as when children burst through a door and nearly fall. Less common than other 'tumble' combinations.
Words that pair with "tumble in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
door room bed laughter children together
How to conjugate "tumble in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tumble in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tumbles in
he/she/it
Past simple
tumbled in
yesterday
Past participle
tumbled in
have + pp
-ing form
tumbling in
continuous
Hear "tumble in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "tumble in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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