contortionist

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

How to pronounce contortionist (audio)

\

Definition of contortionist

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

Other Words from contortionist Example Sentences Learn More about contortionist

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of contortionist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Malatsi has been a contortionist and acrobat, and performed on the teeterboard and as a DJ, among other jobs on his way to the ringmaster’s mic. — Cindy Dampier, chicagotribune.com, "‘Inside the tent, it’s one big party.’ Meet the UniverSoul Circus performers who’ve been wowing Chicago for generations," 5 Nov. 2019 The entertainment for the 330 guests included burlesque performers, a contortionist, a snake charmer, and a belly dancer with a live boa constrictor, as well as astrology, tarot card, and palm readings held in private nooks. — Belathée, Harper's BAZAAR, "Kimmy Scotti and Adam Metzger's Halloween Wedding Was a Garden of Eden of Good & Evil," 31 Oct. 2019 Saturday shows will feature an all-female cast performing a type of hand balancing known as banquine; Sunday shows will feature a group of contortionists. — Jay Jones, Los Angeles Times, "Cirque du Soleil’s ‘O’ to splash down in Bellagio Fountains," 23 Sep. 2019 Eliminated The four acts with the fewest votes – golden buzzer-winning rapper Joseph Allen, variety group Nick & Lindsay, contortionist Marina Mazepa and mentalist duo The Sentimentalists – were eliminated. — Cydney Henderson, USA TODAY, "'America's Got Talent': Which 7 acts made it to the semifinals? Who was eliminated?," 21 Aug. 2019 But the scene stealer is the contortionist midway through the production. — Dewayne Bevil, orlandosentinel.com, "Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights: Opening night premieres more ‘Stranger Things,’ 2 new shows, crowd of costumes," 7 Sep. 2019 Imagine standing in the midst of human hieroglyphics, contortionists, gymnasts and acrobatic actors engaged in an organic origami of expression. — Dasun Imanuel, Essence, "Street Dance Evolves From The Subway To Centerstage In The Powerful Performance 'Maze'," 28 Aug. 2019 Eva, who begins ninth grade in the fall, is a clown, a contortionist, a tight-wire performer — and an evangelist for the circus life. — Thomas Farragher, BostonGlobe.com, "Big top magic," 29 July 2019 Biden is becoming a conviction contortionist, as with his retreat from 40 years of support for the Hyde amendment. — George Will, National Review, "How Can Presidential Candidates Be So Silly?," 7 July 2019

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.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about contortionist

Dictionary Entries near contortionist

contour feather

Statistics for contortionist

Cite this Entry

“Contortionist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contortionist. Accessed 18 Feb. 2020.

Keep scrolling for more

WORD OF THE DAY

bootless

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

More Confusing Words—Quiz

The magician ______ moved the selected card to the top of the deck.

discretely discreetly

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

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