somersault

American  

[suhm-er-sawlt] / ˈsʌm ərˌsɔlt /

Or somerset

noun

1. an acrobatic movement, either forward or backward, in which the body rolls end over end, making a complete revolution.

2. such a movement performed in the air as part of a dive, tumbling routine, etc.

3. a complete overturn or reversal, as of opinion.

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verb (used without object)

1. to perform a somersault.

somersault British  

/ ˈsʌməˌsɔːlt /

noun

1. 1. a forward roll in which the head is placed on the ground and the trunk and legs are turned over it

   2. a similar roll in a backward direction

2. an acrobatic feat in which either of these rolls are performed in midair, as in diving or gymnastics

3. a complete reversal of opinion, policy, etc

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verb

1. (intr) to perform a somersault

Etymology

Origin of somersault

1520–30; < Middle French sombresaut, alteration of sobresault; compare Old Provençal sobre over (< Latin super ), saut a leap (< Latin saltus )

Example Sentences

The USA's Ilia Malinin performs a somersault during his routine in the figure skating team event.

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2026

They extended it on Verse’s fumble return — exuberantly punctuating the play with a somersault into the end zone — and Stafford’s touchdown pass to tight end Davis Allen for a 24-3 halftime lead.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 13, 2025

When circus-goers witness acts like a triple somersault on the trapeze or spinning in a human hamster wheel without a harness, they see a fleeting moment that is said to have divine impact.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 19, 2024

Watch as West Indies' Kevin Sinclair celebrates taking Harry Brook's wicket with an "extraordinary" somersault on day one of the second Test at Trent Bridge.

From BBC • Jul. 18, 2024

Animalcules somersault about our faces when we breathe.

From "The Woman Warrior" by Maxine Hong Kingston

Related Words

• bounce
• bound
• dive
• drop
• fall
• hop
• plummet
• skip
• surge
• take
• top
• vault