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

… did not lend itself to the gymnastics of break dancing.

—Tony Karon

Examples of gymnastic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Weather permitting, our family often heads outside after dinner to enjoy the crisp air, either playing ball or letting the younger kids lead us in gymnastic and dance tutorials. —Dana Santas, CNN Money, 21 Nov. 2025

Yang jumped in, appreciating his photo of Bailey in a black jumpsuit hoisting himself up on a set of gymnastic rings. —Stephen Daw, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2025

Noun

Simone Biles returned to gymnastics at 26—an age when most Olympic gymnasts have retired—after stepping away at her prime to protect her mental health. —Sierra Shafer, Outside, 18 Nov. 2025

Her Camp Katina empowers young girls in South Florida through gymnastics, confidence-building workshops and mentorship focused on self-esteem and healthy living. —Nasha Smith, PEOPLE, 14 Nov. 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