- Today's Word
Jumble
[JUM-buhl]
Definition
- (noun) A confused mixture or a disorderly collection of things. As a verb, to “jumble” means to mix up in a confused or disordered way.
Example
The attic was a jumble of old furniture, boxes, and forgotten knick-knacks, making it nearly impossible to find anything specific.
Fun Fact
The word “jumble” has been in use since the mid-16th century. It’s believed to be related to the Middle English word “jombren,” meaning “to disturb” or “to confuse.” Interestingly, “jumble” also refers to a type of small, thin, sweet cookie or biscuit that was popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. These cookies were often made in twisted shapes, which may explain the connection to the idea of mixing or confusing. The versatility of “jumble” as both a noun and a verb makes it a useful and expressive word in many contexts, from describing physical clutter to mental confusion.
(noun) A departure from what is normal, expected, or typical; an unusual occurrence or deviation.
The sudden snowstorm in late May was a striking aberration — meteorologists hadn’t seen anything like it in the region for over a century.
Aberration comes from the Latin aberrare, meaning “to wander away from,” built from ab- (“away from”) and errare (“to wander” or “to err”). It entered English in the 16th century, initially used in astronomical contexts to describe the apparent displacement of stars caused by Earth’s motion. By the 18th century it had broadened into general use, describing any significant deviation from an established norm.