Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

balestra

noun
ba·​les·​tra | \ bəˈlestrə\
plural -s

Definition of balestra

: a jump forward in fencing followed by a lunge

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 balestra

Italian, literally, crossbow, from Latin ballista

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about balestra

Dictionary Entries near balestra

baler bag

bale rope

bale sling

balestra

balete

balewort

Balfour

Statistics for balestra

Look-up Popularity

Comments on balestra

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

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

teetotaler

someone who never drinks alcohol

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Homophone Quiz

  • three-bears-two-of-them-look-like-theyre-whispering-to-a-third-bear-who-looks-chuffed-to-be-the-center-of-attention
  • In order to judge how people felt, the senator's office hired a firm to take a ______.
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Citation

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