acrobat

noun

ac·​ro·​bat ˈa-krə-ˌbat How to pronounce acrobat (audio)
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

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 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 During the ceremony, the five-ringed logo of the games played an important role with acrobats on stage artistically recreating the rings to reconstruct the iconic symbol. Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 12 Aug. 2024 The former acrobat died Tuesday morning at his Northridge, CA home, according to a statement shared by his fellow stunt performer Darlene Williams Bostock, who grew up training with Yerkes. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 4 Oct. 2024 Whilst Carousel Lounge is home to highly immersive, experimental productions from the high-flying aerial circus show, House of Houdini, to the mid-air rock solos of Rock Circus, where acrobats spin and leap to the greatest hits of AC/DC and Guns & Roses. Lewis Nunn, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for acrobat 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'acrobat.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of acrobat was in 1827

Dictionary Entries Near acrobat

Cite this Entry

“Acrobat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acrobat. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

acrobat

noun
ac·​ro·​bat ˈak-rə-ˌbat How to pronounce acrobat (audio)
: a person (as a circus performer) who is very good at stunts like jumping, balancing, tumbling, and swinging from things
acrobatic adjective
acrobatically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on acrobat

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