cartwheel

[ kahrt-hweel, -weel ]

noun

1. the wheel of a cart.
2. an acrobatic feat in which a person starts from a standing position, with arms extended, and wheels the body sideways, landing first on the hands and then on the feet and usually repeating this in a series.
3. Slang. any large coin, especially a U.S. silver dollar.
4. Slang. an amphetamine tablet.

verb (used without object)

1. to roll forward end over end:

   The skier took a sudden spill and cartwheeled down the slope.

cartwheel

/ ˈkɑːtˌwiːl /

noun

1. the wheel of a cart, usually having wooden spokes and metal tyres
2. an acrobatic movement in which the body makes a sideways revolution supported on the hands with arms and legs outstretched
3. slang.
   a large coin, esp the silver dollar

Other Words From

• cartwheeler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cartwheel¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; cart, wheel

Example Sentences

As players led a brawny ape and a cartwheeling monkey through jungles, ancient ruins and snowscapes, they were treated to a musical smorgasbord of atmospheric tunes.

From New York Times

Jones, meanwhile, smiled and high-fived fans as he entered to Jadakiss' 'The Champ is Here', before entering the octagon with his signature cartwheel.

From BBC

Over the last two weeks, players have done cartwheels, performed leaping body bumps and raised the decibels to helicopter-hovering levels.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s called the Biles II, also known as the Yurchenko double pike, a nod to the former Soviet gymnast who originated the cartwheeling approach to the vault.

From Los Angeles Times

"I didn't know what to do for a celebration. It's the last medal I needed to complete my Para-taekwondo career," said Truesdale, who did a cartwheel and the splits after her gold was confirmed.

From BBC