contortionist

noun

con·​tor·​tion·​ist kən-ˈtȯr-sh(ə-)nist How to pronounce contortionist (audio)
: one who contorts
specifically : an acrobat able to twist the body into unusual postures
contortionistic adjective

Examples of contortionist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In This Way Up, Khuyagaa portrays Mongolian contortionists, symbols of both strength and elegance. Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025 Creepy contortionists Unreal had a background and wardrobe straight out of Universal Studios Hollywood's Halloween Horror Nights that divided them. Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Sep. 2025 The photo above shows Tsetseglen Odgerel, 35, one of Mongolia’s most famous contortionists. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025 Host Terry Crews announced that contortionists Unreal, 10-year-old guitarist Bay Melnick Virgolino, and the Leo High School Choir would be moving forward. Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contortionist

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of contortionist was in 1844

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Cite this Entry

“Contortionist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contortionist. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

contortionist

noun
con·​tor·​tion·​ist kən-ˈtȯr-sh(ə-)nəst How to pronounce contortionist (audio)
: an acrobat able to twist the body into unusual positions

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