acrobat

noun

ac·​ro·​bat ˈa-krə-ˌbat 

1

: one that performs gymnastic feats requiring skillful control of the body

2

a

: one skillful at exercises of intellectual or artistic dexterity

b

: one adept at swiftly changing or adapting a position or viewpoint

a political acrobat

Synonyms

• gymnast
• turner

Examples of acrobat in a Sentence

a child who is a natural acrobat with a superb sense of balance

a political acrobat whose opinion on any issue is whatever will get the most votes

Recent Examples on the Web

She was also accompanied by an ensemble of Cirque Du Soleil acrobats. —Michelle Lee, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024

Skaters and acrobats perform jaw-dropping stunts alongside visual projections as the show's protagonist, Crystal, explores a world of her own imagination. —Holly V. Hays, The Indianapolis Star, 28 Oct. 2024

There will be aerialists, stilt walkers, acrobats, and other performers from the Commonwealth Circus Center on hand to thrill. —Mike Deehan, Axios, 25 Oct. 2024

Monster's Ball 8 p.m., Oct. 19: This annual celebration will feature DJs, circus performers, stilt walkers, high-wire aerialists, acrobats, illusionists and performers on multiple levels and stages. —Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 12 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French acrobates, acrobate, borrowed from Middle Greek akrobátēs "tightrope walker," agent derivative of Greek akróbatos "walking on tiptoe," from akro- acro- + -batos, verbal adjective from baínein "to walk, go" — more at come entry 1

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

acrobat

noun

ac·​ro·​bat ˈak-rə-ˌbat 

: a person (as a circus performer) who is very good at stunts like jumping, balancing, tumbling, and swinging from things

acrobatic

ˌak-rə-ˈbat-ik 

adjective

acrobatically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb