Stumps Meaning in English
word · lemma: stump
Definition
'Stumps' can refer to the bases of trees left after cutting them down, or the three wooden posts used in the sport of cricket. It can also be used informally to describe someone being unable to answer a question (e.g., "it stumps me").
Usage & Nuances
In cricket, the term 'stumps' is plural and only refers to the three vertical wooden posts. In American and British English, tree 'stumps' is common in gardening or forestry. The phrase 'it stumps me' means to be unable to solve or answer something; this is informal.
Example Sentences
The children sat on the stumps during the picnic.
basic
The old tree was cut down, leaving two big stumps in the yard.
basic
The ball hit the stumps and the batsman was out.
basic
Removing the tree stumps made the garden look much better.
natural
Sometimes, tough questions really stump me during interviews.
natural
At sunset, the cricket field’s stumps cast long shadows on the ground.
natural