headstand

[ hed-stand ]

noun

1. an act or instance of supporting the body in a vertical position by balancing on the head usually with the aid of the hands.

verb (used without object)

, head·stood, head·standing.

1. to perform a headstand.

headstand

/ ˈhɛdˌstænd /

noun

1. the act or an instance of balancing on the head, usually with the hands as support

Word History and Origins

Origin of headstand¹

First recorded in 1930–35; head + stand

Example Sentences

“I play the piano a little. I can do a headstand. And I’m practicing a bunch of magic tricks.”

From Literature

"I'd do a headstand on a pyramid for just one flavor."

From Literature

Near the end, two explosive solos raise the temperature, each man trying to get something out in his own way — Pitts with a headstand, Fredericks bending back and circling the space with open arms.

From New York Times

“Just like you are not going to be able to do a headstand in your first yoga session.”

From Seattle Times

Candidly he shows the then-Prince Charles doing headstands in his boxer shorts and his family’s charade of an annual performance review: the Court Circular.

From New York Times