gymnastic

1 of 2

adjective

gym·​nas·​tic jim-ˈna-stik 

: of or relating to gymnastics : athletic

gymnastically

jim-ˈna-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

gymnastic

2 of 2

noun

1

gymnastics jim-ˈna-stiks  plural in form but singular in construction

a

: physical exercises designed to develop strength and coordination

b

: a competitive sport in which individuals perform optional and prescribed acrobatic feats mostly on special apparatus in order to demonstrate strength, balance, and body control

2

: an exercise in intellectual or artistic dexterity

my earlier philosophic study had been an intellectual gymnastic

—John Dewey

mental gymnastics

3

: a physical feat or contortion

the gymnastics necessary for the killer to have swung from the fire escape

—E. D. Radin

Examples of gymnastic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

From donations and other fundraising efforts like hosting gymnastic meets, Burns said the association is able to raise about a tenth of what the University of Minnesota offered a year. —Denise Guerra, Vox, 3 Aug. 2024

Dancing With the Stars season 33 duos strike a pose in exclusive couple photos The athlete, who won an additional bronze medal as part of this year’s record-shattering U.S. men’s gymnastic team, rose to fame at the Games for his complex routines and calm demeanor before hitting the floor. —EW.com, 12 Sep. 2024

Noun

Most athletes rely on sponsors for basic living expenses and accommodations, but only athletes competing in more prominent sports, such as basketball, gymnastics and swimming, attract sponsorship dollars. —Lilian Raji, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024

To mark the teenager’s 15th birthday on Thursday, Sept. 19, Gellar, 47, shared a rare video of her daughter showing off her impressive gymnastics skills. —Kirsty Hatcher, Peoplemag, 20 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1574, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1a