handspring

[ hand-spring ]

noun

1. an acrobatic feat in which one starts from a standing position and wheels the body forward or backward in a complete circle, landing first on the hands and then on the feet, without contact by the rest of the body.

verb (used without object)

, hand·sprang, hand·sprung, hand·springing.

1. to perform a handspring.

handspring

/ ˈhændˌsprɪŋ /

noun

1. a gymnastic feat in which a person starts from a standing position and leaps forwards or backwards into a handstand and then onto his feet

Word History and Origins

Origin of handspring¹

First recorded in 1870–75; hand + spring

Example Sentences

Before the aerials, the back handsprings, the 100-meter dashes and relay handoffs, these seemingly otherworldly talents are still regular people.

From Salon

Her body whips back in a lightning-fast handspring that leaves even the best athletes in the world in the dust.

From Los Angeles Times

“I really didn’t want people arbitrarily peeling off into back handsprings for no reason. It had to really honor his most, important memories,” Stone says.

From Seattle Times

With one last running handspring across the stage and a blown kiss, Boone was off.

From Seattle Times

A former British gymnast has set a dizzying world record performing 36 handsprings in less than 30 seconds.

From BBC