backbend

noun

back·​bend ˈbak-ˌbend 

1

: a movement (as in gymnastics) in which from a standing position with the knees straight the body is arched backward until the hands touch the floor over the head

2

: a posture or pose (as in yoga) that extends the front of the body and bends the spine backwards

… this action supports your lower back and generates a strong lift of the belly out of the pelvis to help release the spine into a deep backbend.

—Barbara Benagh

Examples of backbend in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Not to be outdone, Lily does a full backbend across the velvet rope with Brian supporting her. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026

Its electric choreography even inspired a dance challenge after many marveled at a backbend performed by one of the band’s members. — Trista Kurniawan, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026

Subtlety never stood a chance, with Cardi leaning fully into the chaos all night — chopping the air with her arms, sticking out her tongue, whipping her head, contorting her body, dropping into splits and backbends without warning. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2026

The teacher cued us onto our bellies for a backbend sequence. — Allegra Givens, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for backbend

• amend
• append
• ascend
• attend
• backend
• befriend
• boyfriend
• commend
• compend
• contend
• defend
• depend