Tumbril

usgb/ˈtʌmbrəl/
noun

A cart or wagon used in the past for carrying condemned people to be executed.

In the French Revolution, prisoners were transported in a tumbril to the guillotine.
Visual representation of "tumbril" - A cart or wagon used in the past for carrying condemned people to be executed.

Often appears as...

  • ride in a tumbril
  • lead to the tumbril

Usage tips

Disapproving

Historic

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "tumbril"
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Historical Connotation

Tumbril often symbolizes doom or impending punishment from past historical use.

Illustration for Historical Connotation
Her dismissal felt like being in a tumbril, a tragic end to her career.
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French Revolution

Tumbril is closely associated with the French Revolution, evoking strong imagery.

Illustration for French Revolution
His novel set during the uprising described the foreboding rumble of a tumbril.
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Rare Usage

The term is old-fashioned and not commonplace in modern language use.

Illustration for Rare Usage
Finding 'tumbril' in a contemporary text surprised the young reader.
Visual representation of the word "Tumbril"

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