shambling

adjective

sham·​bling ˈsham-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce shambling (audio)
Synonyms of shamblingnext
: characterized by slow awkward movement

Examples of shambling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The shambling Cliff and the spiky Didi make for an odd couple. — Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025 Once the beyond-the-grave comeuppance arrives, this short is just standard shambling ghouls and raining blood. — A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2025 One rarely gains a sense of what people look like (beyond the son’s bulky physique and shambling movements, in which the mother ‘caught a flash of her brother’). — Dan Sheehan, Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026 With almost no plan, Sonny makes a shambling attempt at an armed robbery, only to end up trapped in the bank with the manager and five female tellers as his hostages. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shambling

Word History

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shambling was in 1592

Rhymes for shambling

See All Rhymes for shambling

Browse Nearby Words

shambles
shambling
shamblingly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shambling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shambling. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on shambling

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for shambling

Nglish: Translation of shambling for Spanish Speakers

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