Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Risley act

noun
Ris·​ley act | \ ˈrizlē-\

Definition of Risley act

: a circus act in which an acrobat lying on his back juggles barrels or fellow acrobats with his feet

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for Risley act

after the Risley family, 19th century circus trio consisting of Richard Risley Carlisle †1874 American gymnast and circus performer and his two sons

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about Risley act

Statistics for Risley act

Look-up Popularity

Comments on Risley act

What made you want to look up Risley act? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

inexorable

Listen to the pronounciation of inexorable

not to be persuaded, moved, or stopped

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Latin Quiz

  • roman forum
  • Which of the following months comes from a Latin word for “ten”?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games