contortionist

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

|Updated on: 12 Jul 2018

Definition of contortionist

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

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contortionistic

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

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Recent Examples of contortionist from the Web

Most are in an inconvenient location with a black faceplate that is near impossible to find without being a contortionist in a cramped seat.

— latimes.com, "Letters: Here's an easy way to make a San Diego bike trip even easier," 1 July 2018
The event draws more than 150 different breweries together, alongside entertainers including contortionists, sword swallowers, jugglers, stilt walkers, and more, all entertaining on one main stage.

— grace dickinson, Philly.com, "Justin Timberlake, Philadelphia Burger Brawl, 11th Wanamaker Court Organ Day, and other events happening in Philadelphia, June 1-7," 31 May 2018
Thus sets in motion a series of dance performances from ballet to contortionist backed by different pieces of music including opera and spoken word.

— trevor fraser, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Review: Luna - Fringe 2018," 14 May 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
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

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.