acrobat

noun

ac·​ro·​bat ˈa-krə-ˌbat How to pronounce acrobat (audio)
1
: one that performs gymnastic feats requiring skillful control of the body
2
a
: one skillful at exercises of intellectual or artistic dexterity
b
: one adept at swiftly changing or adapting a position or viewpoint
a political acrobat

Examples of acrobat in a Sentence

a child who is a natural acrobat with a superb sense of balance a political acrobat whose opinion on any issue is whatever will get the most votes
Recent Examples on the Web Two acrobats run inside the wheels like hamsters and do astoundingly perilous tricks atop the exterior of the wheels. Sam Hurwitt, The Mercury News, 16 Jan. 2024 Then, to go from there to being in a rehearsal and starting to see the dancers and the acrobats. Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 13 Feb. 2024 Many fans were also pleased with the halftime show after R&B singer Usher performed 13 minutes of his top hits accompanied by dozens of dancers and acrobats. Alexandra Banner, CNN, 12 Feb. 2024 The family-friendly show, which is put on at the Luxor Hotel & Casino, is comprised of various acts — think magicians, acrobats, dancers, vocalists, and even knife throwers — performed by AGT alums. Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 12 Feb. 2024 Dancers, magicians, singers and acrobats will entertain shoppers along Grant Avenue both days. Linda Zavoral, The Mercury News, 29 Jan. 2024 All in all, prepare to be dazzled by the array of acrobats, synchronized swimmers, and divers. Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 12 Feb. 2024 The entertainment included acrobats, dancers, drummers and a mock cavalry charge by 300 Berber horsemen. Jacob Bernstein, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2023 Before the champ was revealed, Jared Leto's band Thirty Seconds To Mars accompanied performances by acrobats the Ramadhani Brothers and dance crew Chibi Unity, who ultimately ended the show with the statuses of grand finalist and finalist, respectively. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 29 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'acrobat.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French acrobates, acrobate, borrowed from Middle Greek akrobátēs "tightrope walker," agent derivative of Greek akróbatos "walking on tiptoe," from akro- acro- + -batos, verbal adjective from baínein "to walk, go" — more at come entry 1

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of acrobat was in 1827

Dictionary Entries Near acrobat

Cite this Entry

“Acrobat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acrobat. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

acrobat

noun
ac·​ro·​bat ˈak-rə-ˌbat How to pronounce acrobat (audio)
: a person (as a circus performer) who is very good at stunts like jumping, balancing, tumbling, and swinging from things
acrobatic adjective
acrobatically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on acrobat

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