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tumpline

noun
tump·​line | \ ˈtÉ™mp-ËŒlÄ«n How to pronounce tumpline (audio) \

Definition of tumpline

: a sling formed by a strap slung over the forehead or chest and used for carrying or helping to support a pack on the back or in hauling loads

Examples of tumpline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 The road to Catarina begins smoothly, rising from Antigua through pine forests where indigenous families carry firewood up mountain paths on their backs, with tumplines looped over their foreheads bearing the weight. — Rachel Nolan, Harper's magazine, "Destined for Export," 10 June 2019 Phelan’s men were issued an oiled leather tumpline with two long tails. — Pippa Biddle, The Atlantic, "Why It’s Better to Carry Weight on Your Head," 18 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tumpline.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of tumpline

1796, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for tumpline

tump, of Algonquian origin; akin to Eastern Abenaki mádûmbí pack strap

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Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with tumpline

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