STUMP | English Meaning, Definition, and Pronunciation

Middle English (denoting a part of a limb remaining after an amputation): from Middle Low German stump(e) or Middle Dutch stomp. The early sense of the verb was ‘stumble’

the bottom part of a tree left projecting from the ground after most of the trunk has fallen or been cut down.

bottom part of tree left projecting from ground after most of trunk

each of the three upright pieces of wood which form a wicket.

each of three upright pieces of wood which form wicket

a cylinder with conical ends made of rolled paper or other soft material, used for softening or blending marks made with a crayon or pencil.

cylinder with conical ends made of rolled paper or other soft material

used in relation to political campaigning

used in relation to political campaigning

• his jibes at his opponents may have won him some support on the stump early in his campaign
• an inspiring stump speaker

(of a question or problem) be too hard for; baffle

be too hard for

• education chiefs were stumped by some of the exam questions

walk stiffly and noisily

walk stiffly

• he stumped away on short thick legs

(of a wicketkeeper) dismiss (a batter) by dislodging the bails with the ball while the batter is out of the crease but not running.

dismiss batter by dislodging bails with ball

travel around (a district) making political speeches

travel around district making political speeches

• there is no chance that he will be well enough to stump the country

use a stump on (a drawing, line, etc.).

use stump on