gymnastic

1 of 2

adjective

gym·​nas·​tic jim-ˈna-stik 

: of or relating to gymnastics : athletic

gymnastically

jim-ˈna-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

gymnastic

2 of 2

noun

1

gymnastics jim-ˈna-stiks  plural in form but singular in construction

a

: physical exercises designed to develop strength and coordination

b

: a competitive sport in which individuals perform optional and prescribed acrobatic feats mostly on special apparatus in order to demonstrate strength, balance, and body control

2

: an exercise in intellectual or artistic dexterity

my earlier philosophic study had been an intellectual gymnastic

—John Dewey

mental gymnastics

3

: a physical feat or contortion

the gymnastics necessary for the killer to have swung from the fire escape

—E. D. Radin

Examples of gymnastic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The fish-eating raptor known for gymnastic dives and whistle-like chirps is an American conservation success story. —Danny Bakst, Fortune, 13 July 2025

Dunne posted a video of herself watching a montage of her gymnastic career, which included footage from her toddler days and even her LSU acceptance. —Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2025

Noun

Confusion Costs You When a salesperson has to do mental gymnastics or guesswork to calculate their commission, the system is broken. —Scott Hozebin, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025

Meanwhile, about the only argument that Trump supporters are making for the positive effects of tariffs — the fact that container traffic at the Port of Los Angeles set a monthly record in June — requires mental gymnastics. —U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1574, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for gymnastic

• aplastic
• bombastic
• dynastic
• dysplastic
• elastic
• fantastic
• monastic
• sarcastic
• scholastic
• silastic
• stochastic
• aeroelastic