somersault

or som·er·set sum·mer·sault, sum·mer·set

[ suhm-er-sawlt ]

noun

1. an acrobatic movement, either forward or backward, in which the body rolls end over end, making a complete revolution.
2. such a movement performed in the air as part of a dive, tumbling routine, etc.
3. a complete overturn or reversal, as of opinion.

verb (used without object)

1. to perform a somersault.

somersault

/ ˈsʌməˌsɔːlt /

noun

1. 1. a forward roll in which the head is placed on the ground and the trunk and legs are turned over it
   2. a similar roll in a backward direction
2. an acrobatic feat in which either of these rolls are performed in midair, as in diving or gymnastics
3. a complete reversal of opinion, policy, etc

verb

1. intr to perform a somersault

Word History and Origins

Origin of somersault¹

1520–30; < Middle French sombresaut, alteration of sobresault; compare Old Provençal sobre over (< Latin super ), saut a leap (< Latin saltus )

Word History and Origins

Origin of somersault¹

C16: from Old French soubresault, probably from Old Provençal sobresaut, from sobre over (from Latin super ) + saut a jump, leap (from Latin saltus )

Example Sentences

By the look of the highlights he sees of Dobbins breaking free from defenders and somersaulting into the end zone, the running back definitely looks to be back to his old self.

From Los Angeles Times

The letter accused the first minister of "populism" and said Sinn Féin had "turned political somersaults into an Olympic sport".

From BBC

After the Rams scored on Williams’ end zone somersault late in the second quarter, Byron Young forced a Brock Purdy fumble to end the half and set the tone for a late push.

From Los Angeles Times

When circus-goers witness acts like a triple somersault on the trapeze or spinning in a human hamster wheel without a harness, they see a fleeting moment that is said to have divine impact.

From Los Angeles Times

But Dobbins, who has had a long history of injuries, raised eyebrows when he celebrated the touchdown by somersaulting into the end zone.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bounce
• bound
• dive
• drop
• fall
• hop
• plummet
• skip
• surge
• take
• top
• vault