acrobatic

American  

[ak-ruh-bat-ik] / ˌæk rəˈbæt ɪk /

Also acrobatical

adjective

1. of, relating to, or like an acrobat or acrobatics.

2. having the good balance, agility, and coordination of an acrobat.

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Other Word Forms

• acrobatically
  adverb
• semiacrobatic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of acrobatic

From the Greek word akrobatikós, dating back to 1860–65. See acrobat, -ic

Explanation

Acrobatic describes something that's an amazing physical feat, especially if it involves agility and balance. An acrobatic dance routine might include back flips and handstands. If you're acrobatic, you're good at gymnastics or physical circus tricks. A border collie might make a particularly acrobatic Frisbee catch, twisting and spinning in the air, and a little boy could perform acrobatic cartwheels across the living room. The adjective comes from acrobat, which in French — acrobate — means "tightrope walker," from a Greek word, akrobates, "rope dancer," related to akrobatos, "going on tip toe" or "climbing up high."

Example Sentences

As the votes were counted on Tuesday night and viewers enjoyed an acrobatic tribute to Vienna's Wurstelprater - one of the world's oldest amusement parks.

From BBC • May 12, 2026

But even if the team makes a few acrobatic leaps in its confidence and capabilities, the storytelling is so brisk that one really won’t care.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

Choreographed dances, acrobatic tricks, a pitcher on stilts and other antics keep the entertainment flowing.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

Barcelona reclaimed top spot in La Liga with a 3-0 win over Real Oviedo on Sunday, thanks to goals from Dani Olmo, Raphinha and an acrobatic Lamine Yamal effort.

From Barron's • Jan. 25, 2026

This served as an introduction to your power move—which was your acrobatic move—the kind of thing that looked, sometimes, like what you saw gymnasts do on a pommel horse, except way cooler.

From "A Very Large Expanse of Sea" by Tahereh Mafi