headstand

American  

[hed-stand] / ˈhɛdˌstænd /

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.

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verb (used without object)

headstood, headstanding

1. to perform a headstand.

headstand British  

/ ˈhɛdˌstænd /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of headstand

First recorded in 1930–35; head + stand

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

headstand

“For most people, a headstand is something that they can work up towards.”

From Slate ● May 6, 2023

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

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 26, 2023

Irene Martínez does a headstand on her own, legs arching back in a physics-defying curve.

From New York Times ● Jan. 15, 2023

Performing a headstand means your head must hold up to 40 to 48 percent of your body weight, according to research.

From Washington Post ● Sep. 18, 2022

She pushes off from her toes a little too hard, which sends her tiny body sailing past a headstand and into a backflop onto the hard floor.

From "Milkweed" by Jerry Spinelli