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

Mya Hooten Hooten, a 2021 Chanhassen grad, is wrapping up a spectacular college gymnastic career at the University of Minnesota. —Todd Abeln, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025

Skenes played on the baseball team while Dunne still competes with the gymnastic team — now in her fifth and final season. —Marissa Muller, WWD, 26 Jan. 2025

Noun

The amount of mental gymnastics going on in their heads is delicious. —Nate Taylor, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025

Past Nastia Cup Winners Who Went On To Dominate The NCAA The Nastia Cup has proven to be an excellent predictor of future success in NCAA gymnastics. —Kasey Nelson, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1574, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for gymnastic

• aplastic
• bombastic
• dynastic
• dysplastic
• elastic
• fantastic
• monastic
• sarcastic
• scholastic
• silastic
• stochastic
• aeroelastic