contortionist

noun con·tor·tion·ist \ kən-ˈtȯr-sh(ə-)nist \

Updated on: 17 May 2018

Definition of contortionist

: one who contorts; specifically : an acrobat able to twist the body into unusual postures

—

contortionistic

play \kən-ˌtȯr-shə-ˈni-stik\ adjective

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Recent Examples of contortionist from the Web

See Caribbean dancers, contortionists, acrobats, a hire-wire act, teeterboard, a giant wheel, Russian bar, elephants, motorcycles, and a mixed animal act featuring zebras and camels under the big top at Miramar Regional Park, 16801 Miramar Parkway.

— jennifer jhon, South Florida Parenting, "Egg hunts bring sweet fun to South Florida families this weekend," 22 Mar. 2018
The Plaza Bar at the posh resort transforms into a creepy carnival, with funhouse mirrors, carnival barkers, fire breathers and contortionists.

— kellie hwang, azcentral, "18 adults-only Halloween parties across Phoenix that will tingle your spine," 25 Oct. 2017
Among the clowns and contortionists will be Nik Wallenda and the Fabulous Wallendas, whose famous seven-person pyramid on the high wire has been a show-stopper on the Big Apple tour.

— robert steiner, BostonGlobe.com, "Nik Wallenda walks the line with Big Apple Circus," 3 Apr. 2018
See Caribbean dancers, contortionists, acrobats, a hire-wire act, teeterboard, a giant wheel, Russian bar, elephants, motorcycles, and a mixed animal act featuring zebras and camels under the big top at Miramar Regional Park, 16801 Miramar Parkway.

— jennifer jhon, South Florida Parenting, "Egg hunts bring sweet fun to South Florida families this weekend," 22 Mar. 2018
But Cadd isn't letting the emotional and physical trauma of the incident keep her from pursuing her dream of becoming a professional contortionist.

— everton bailey jr., OregonLive.com, "'Suspicious' death at Forest Grove apartments under police investigation," 20 Mar. 2018
See Caribbean dancers, contortionists, acrobats, a hire-wire act, teeterboard, a giant wheel, Russian bar, elephants, motorcycles, and a mixed animal act featuring zebras and camels under the big top at Miramar Regional Park, 16801 Miramar Parkway.

— jennifer jhon, South Florida Parenting, "Duck Fest, St. Patrick's events planned for families this weekend in S. Florida," 15 Mar. 2018
Yes, that means contortionists, strong men and dancers at Hilbert Circle Theatre.

— domenica bongiovanni, Indianapolis Star, "Contortionists and strong men are part of the Indianapolis Symphony's new season," 1 Mar. 2018
The actor and former contortionist Jones has appeared in six of del Toro's films, usually playing one creature or another, his face always buried in amazing costumes and makeup effects.

— ben flanagan, AL.com, "Golden Globes 2018: Watch out for these Alabama connections on Sunday," 5 Jan. 2018

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

First Known Use of contortionist

1844

in the meaning defined above

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CONTORTIONIST Defined for English Language Learners

contortionist

noun

Definition of contortionist for English Language Learners

: a performer who twists his or her body into unusual positions

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contortionist

Definition of contortionist

contortionistic

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contortionist

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contortionist

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