cumber

1 of 2

verb

cum·​ber ˈkəm-bər How to pronounce cumber (audio)
cumbered; cumbering ˈkəm-b(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce cumber (audio)
Synonyms of cumbernext

transitive verb

1
archaic : trouble, harass
2
a
: to hinder or encumber by being in the way
cumbered with heavy clothing
b
: to clutter up
rocks cumbering the yard

cumber

2 of 2

noun

: something that cumbers
especially : hindrance

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English combren, short for acombren, from Anglo-French acumbrer, encumbrer — more at encumber

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cumber was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near cumber

cumbent

cumber

Cumberland

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Cumber.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cumber. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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