limber

¹

[lim-ber]

adjective

1. characterized by ease in bending the body; supple; lithe.

   Antonyms: stiff, stiff

2. bending readily; flexible; pliant.

   Synonyms: pliable
   Antonyms: unbending, rigid, stiff, stiff

verb (used without object)

1. to make oneself limber (usually followed byup ).

   to limber up before the game.

verb (used with object)

1. to make (something) limber (usually followed byup ).

   She tried to limber up her wits before the exam.

limber

²

[lim-ber]

noun

1. a two-wheeled vehicle, originally pulled by four or six horses, behind which is towed a field gun or caisson.

verb (used with object)

1. to attach the limber to (a gun) in preparation for moving away (sometimes followed byup ).

verb (used without object)

1. to attach a limber to a gun (usually followed byup ).

limber

³

[lim-ber]

noun

1. Nautical.,  Usually limbers. a passage or gutter in which seepage collects to be pumped away, located on each side of a central keelson; bilge.

limber

¹

/ ˈlɪmbə /

adjective

1. capable of being easily bent or flexed; pliant

2. able to move or bend freely; agile

limber

²

/ ˈlɪmbə /

noun

1. part of a gun carriage, often containing ammunition, consisting of an axle, pole, and two wheels, that is attached to the rear of an item of equipment, esp field artillery

verb

1. (usually foll by up) to attach the limber (to a gun, etc)

limber

³

/ ˈlɪmbə /

noun

1. (often plural) nautical (in the bilge of a vessel) a fore-and-aft channel through a series of holes in the frames ( limber holes ) where water collects and can be pumped out

Other Word Forms

• limberly adverb
• limberness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of limber¹

First recorded in 1555–65; of uncertain origin; perhaps akin to limb ¹

Origin of limber²

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English limour, lemer “cart shaft”; limb ¹, -er ¹

Origin of limber³

First recorded in 1620–30; of uncertain origin; perhaps from French lumière “hole, perforation,” literally, “light,” from Late Latin lūmināria; luminaria

Word History and Origins

Origin of limber¹

C16: origin uncertain

Origin of limber²

C15 lymour shaft of a gun carriage, origin uncertain

Origin of limber³

C17: probably changed from French lumière hole (literally: light)

Synonym Study

See flexible.

Example Sentences

There are several performance scenes that showcase Madekwe’s ability to croon in a convincing limber lilt but little engagement with his actual music.

From Los Angeles Times

Lifting weights, I’m just trying to keep this old husk limber and I wanna be able to have a healthy aging.

From Los Angeles Times

Take our quiz and limber up for the football event of the summer.

From BBC

Afterward, I felt loose and limber heading back to my car — though the sensation didn’t last for very long after my car ride home.

From Los Angeles Times

On the top of Helsby Hill, members of the Helsby Running Club are limbering up for a cross-country run with a view of the whole constituency spread below.

From BBC

Related Words

• agile 
• graceful 
• lithe 
• nimble 
• pliable 
• resilient 
• spry 
• supple