backbend

noun

back·bend | \ ˈbak-ˌbend

Definition of backbend

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 The two traded soaring vocals before Judd finally asserted her singular pipes, and Pearce gave her proper due with an awestruck backbend. — Nancy Kruh, PEOPLE.com, 14 June 2022 That athleticism is on display when Richlen performs what most simply call the backbend, a move that involves an extreme, limbo-style backwards lean. — Bob Dohr, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 15 Sep. 2021 Toward the finish of the number, the oddball spun around to reveal a second face on the back of her head before offering up one final backbend. — Stephen Daw, Billboard, 31 May 2019 Players execute backbends and supine twists under high ceilings in low light. — Erik Brady, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2020 Brit, 37, starts off balancing in the air on Sam’s feet before showing off her stellar backbend, shoulder stretch, and camel pose skills. — Claire Gillespie, Health.com, 28 Oct. 2019 In addition to her handstand walking, Spears was also shown doing backbends and balancing on her partner's feet. — Leah Groth, Health.com, 5 Nov. 2019 Jenny walked toward the front of the room, watching her son perform cartwheels and backbends with a friend, dressed just as himself. — Washington Post, 30 Oct. 2019 When the coast was clear at the Anna Sui rehearsal, Hill even showed off her gymnastics skills and did a backbend on the runway. — Brooke Bobb, Vogue, 19 Feb. 2019 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'backbend.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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