The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

galumph

IPA:

Dictionary definition of galumph

To move in a clumsy, heavy, or awkward manner.
"The tired, old dog will usually galumph back to its bed after a long walk."

Detailed meaning of galumph

It suggests a combination of stomping, lumbering, and bouncing movements that lack grace or finesse. When someone galumphs, they often move with exaggerated and somewhat uncoordinated steps, giving the impression of being ungainly or ungainful. The term carries a sense of energy and enthusiasm, but with a touch of comical or exaggerated awkwardness. It can be used to describe both human and animal movements, such as a child galumphing through a room, or an elephant galumphing across the savannah. Galumphing can also convey a sense of excitement or enthusiasm, as if someone is moving with great enthusiasm but without much regard for elegance or precision. Overall, "galumph" captures the essence of a playful and slightly clumsy way of moving.

Example sentences containing galumph

1. When the baby elephant sees a mud pool, it tends to galumph right into it.
2. Watch the kangaroo galumph across the Australian plains with surprising speed.
3. If you give the toddler the toy hammer, he'll likely galumph around the room with glee.
4. The kids love to put on snowshoes and galumph through the freshly fallen snow.
5. The construction robot can lift heavy loads and galumph across the site effortlessly.
6. Whenever the marching band starts to play, my little brother tries to galumph in time with the music.

History and etymology of galumph

The verb 'galumph' is a whimsical word with an uncertain but playful etymology. It is believed to be a blend of the words 'gallop' and 'triumph.' 'Gallop' suggests a fast and irregular movement, while 'triumph' implies a joyful and exuberant manner. 'Galumph' was popularized by the writer Lewis Carroll in his poem 'Jabberwocky,' where it describes a character's awkward and heavy movement. Though its exact origins are unclear, 'galumph' has been widely accepted in the English language to describe moving in a clumsy, heavy, or awkward manner, making it a charming and evocative term for such actions.

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Further usage examples of galumph

1. When you wear those oversized slippers, you tend to galumph rather than walk gracefully.
2. If the soccer player doesn't pace himself, he'll start to galumph by the second half of the match.
3. The character in the video game will galumph when carrying heavy weapons or armor.
4. The comedian likes to galumph across the stage as part of his slapstick routine.
5. In the fairytale, the giant is said to galumph through the forest, causing trees to sway with each step.
6. He watched his toddler galumph through the puddles with glee.
7. The elephant seemed to galumph gracefully despite its size.
8. After the heavy meal, he had to galumph up the stairs slowly.
9. The robot was programmed to galumph across rough terrain.
10. The puppy would galumph around the yard, chasing its tail.
11. She couldn't help but laugh as he tried to galumph in flippers.
12. The sumo wrestler would galumph into the ring with confidence.
13. In the deep snow, it was a challenge to galumph uphill.
14. After a few drinks, he tended to galumph on the dance floor.
15. The actor had to galumph on stage in a comical scene.
16. The oversized backpack made her galumph through the forest.
17. The heavy costume caused him to galumph on stage.
18. The toddler would galumph into the room, giggling.
19. It was comical to watch the penguin galumph on land.
20. With a sprained ankle, she had to galumph carefully.
21. The knight's armor made him galumph as he walked.
22. The giant robot would galumph through the city in the movie.
23. The clown's oversized shoes made him galumph hilariously.
24. In the mud, it was challenging not to galumph clumsily.
25. The baby elephant learned to galumph alongside its mother.