acrobat

[ ak-ruh-bat ]

noun

1. a skilled performer of gymnastic feats, as walking on a tightrope or swinging on a trapeze.
2. a person who readily changes viewpoints or opinions.

acrobat

/ ˈækrəˌbæt /

noun

1. an entertainer who performs acts that require skill, agility, and coordination, such as tumbling, swinging from a trapeze, or walking a tightrope
2. a person noted for his frequent and rapid changes of position or allegiances

   a political acrobat

Derived Forms

• ˌacroˈbatically, adverb
• ˌacroˈbatic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of acrobat¹

First recorded in 1815–25; from French acrobate, from Greek akróbatos “walking on tiptoe,” equivalent to akro- prefix meaning “height, extremity” + -batos, verbal adjective of baínein “to go”; the French word may be a recoinage, or an etymological reading of the Greek word; acro-

Word History and Origins

Origin of acrobat¹

C19: via French from Greek akrobatēs acrobat, one who walks on tiptoe, from acro- + bat-, from bainein to walk

Example Sentences

In an interview with local news station WXYZ-TV, Detroit acrobat Tink said she had been hired as a pole-dancer just three hours before the event.

From BBC

There were multiple showtimes a night, always incorporating a monologue, group choreography, live singing, costume changes, videos, practical effects, special guests like acrobats, and improv segments.

From Los Angeles Times

But the first visitor it recorded was dangling from its hind legs like a Squirrel du Soleil acrobat feasting on the bird seed.

From Los Angeles Times

When I watch “America’s Got Talent,” I guess I’m watching the future of Olympics sports — human/dog acrobatics, human pyramids, acrobats spinning 30 feet up in the air, complex acrobatic dance groups, etc.

From Los Angeles Times

“They used me as a model in their diving program,” says Louganis, who trained as an acrobat and dancer as a child before moving to diving.

From Salon

Related Words

• clown
• dancer
• gymnast
• performer
• tumbler