stumps
|stumps|
/stʌmps/
(stump)
remnant or confusion
Etymology
'stump' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'stump' or 'stumpa', where it meant 'stub' or 'truncated part'.
'stump' changed from Old English forms such as 'stump'/'stumpa', passed into Middle English as 'stump(e)', and eventually became the modern English word 'stump' (plural 'stumps').
Initially, it meant 'a stub or truncated piece'; over time it retained that literal sense and also developed verb senses such as 'to leave as a stump', the figurative sense 'to baffle', and the political sense 'to give stump speeches'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'stump': the base or remaining part of a tree left after the trunk has been cut down; a short remaining piece of something that has been cut or broken off.
The children sat on the stumps and ate their sandwiches.
Synonyms
Noun 2
in cricket, the three vertical wooden posts at each end of the pitch (commonly referred to in the plural as 'the stumps').
The bowler hit the stumps and the batsman was out.
Synonyms
Noun 3
residual limb after an amputation; a short remaining limb or part of a limb.
After the operation he learned to care for his stumps.
Synonyms
Verb 1
third person singular form of 'stump': to baffle or perplex (someone); to be too difficult for someone to answer or solve.
The complex question stumps even the experts.
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Antonyms
Verb 2
third person singular form of 'stump': to campaign or travel around giving political speeches (to give stump speeches).
She stumps for the party every weekend in the region.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2026/01/05 07:23