trapeze

[ tra-peezor, especially British, truh- ]

noun

1. an apparatus, used in gymnastics and acrobatics, consisting of a short horizontal bar attached to the ends of two suspended ropes.
2. (on a small sailboat) a device by which a crew member can be suspended almost completely outboard while hiking.

trapeze

/ trəˈpiːz /

noun

1. a free-swinging bar attached to two ropes, used by circus acrobats, etc
2. a sling like a bosun's chair at one end of a line attached to the masthead of a light racing sailing boat, used in sitting out

Word History and Origins

Origin of trapeze¹

1860–65; < French, special use of trapèze trapezium

Word History and Origins

Origin of trapeze¹

C19: from French trapèze , from New Latin; see trapezium

Example Sentences

Around 20 jugglers, trapeze artists and concession stand workers are filtering into the big top that the majestic Circus Vargas uses to perform across 25 California cities 11 months out of the year.

From Los Angeles Times

Flying trapeze artist Mariella Arata-Quiroga, daughter of Vargas owners and longtime friends of Cancro, Nelson Quiroga and Katya Arata-Quiroga, turns to smile at her grandfather, Victor Arata, a retired high-wire performer.

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

Without really knowing it, every circus attendee shows up to see if the juggler will keep the balls in the air, if the flying trapeze artist will catch their partner, if the rider will survive the Globe.

From Los Angeles Times

At some outdoor stadiums, for example, the flags are displayed vertically on poles due to space limitations, while at indoor arenas, such as La Defense Arena, the swimming venue, they are displayed horizontally and raised on a motorized system called a trapeze.

From Los Angeles Times