jumble
Jumble (verb) means to mix things up in a disorganised or confused way. Example: “The papers got jumbled together in the move.”
How to Use Jumble
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo mix things together carelessly, or a messy, disorganised pile or mix.
In British English, a "jumble sale" is a sale of used, donated goods — closer to what Americans call a "rummage sale."
Word Forms
jumbled past tense, jumbles plural, jumbles plural, jumbles singular
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The papers got _____ together in the move.
Etymology
From Middle English jumbren, likely a variant of jumpren, related to jump — the sense shifted from "bounce around" to "mix up."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for jumble
See all rhymes for jumble →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “jumble” mean?
The word “jumble” means to mix things up in a disorganised or confused way. In plain terms, to mix things together carelessly, or a messy, disorganised pile or mix.
How do you pronounce “jumble”?
“Jumble” is pronounced JUHM-buhl (/ˈd͡ʒʌmbəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “jumble” in a sentence?
Here is “jumble” used in a sentence: “The papers got jumbled together in the move.”
What part of speech is “jumble”?
Depending on how it is used, “jumble” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “jumble” come from?
The word “jumble” comes from Middle English. From Middle English jumbren, likely a variant of jumpren, related to jump — the sense shifted from "bounce around" to "mix up.".
How many meanings does “jumble” have?
“Jumble” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to mix things up in a disorganised or confused way.