backbend

American  

[bak-bend] / ˈbækˌbɛnd /

noun

1. an acrobatic feat in which one bends backward from a standing position until one's hands touch the floor.

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backbend British  

/ ˈbækˌbɛnd /

noun

1. a gymnastic exercise in which the trunk is bent backwards until the hands touch the floor

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Etymology

Origin of backbend

back ¹ + bend ¹

Explanation

A backbend is an impressive move in gymnastics in which an athlete arches her spine and leans back until her head hangs down and her hands touch the floor. You have to be flexible to do a backbend. You might practice backbends as a gymnast, and also in yoga or dance class. Not only do you need a supple back to do a backbend, but strong abdominal muscles, steady legs, and a good sense of balance. In gymnastics, a basic backbend can lead to other moves, such as a back handspring. People with back problems should probably avoid doing backbends.

Example Sentences

The teacher cued us onto our bellies for a backbend sequence.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

She said she started to love horror after she watched a trailer for “The Exorcist” and saw Linda Blair descend stairs in a backbend.

From New York Times • Dec. 19, 2021

Their vocals were flawless, despite two Janet Jackson-level dance breakdowns, with the singers ending the performance with a gravity-defying, muscle-shredding double backbend.

From BBC • May 24, 2021

With that inhale, you push your chest up and press the tops of your toes into the ground, so you’re in upward-facing dog, the first backbend and heart opener of the practice.

From Washington Post • Apr. 1, 2014

We also learned a deeper backbend, hooking feet into the silks above our heads and letting our bellies hang toward the floor in a bow pose while swinging from the silks.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 5, 2012