acrobatics

American  

[ak-ruh-bat-iks] / ˌæk rəˈbæt ɪks /

noun

1. (used with a plural verb) the feats of an acrobat; gymnastics.

2. (used with a singular verb) the art or practice of acrobatic feats.

3. (used with a plural verb) something performed with remarkable agility and ease.

   the verbal acrobatics of a habitual liar.

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acrobatics British  

/ ˌækrəˈbætɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as plural) the skills or feats of an acrobat

2. (functioning as singular) the art of an acrobat

3. (functioning as plural) any activity requiring agility and skill

   mental acrobatics

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Etymology

Origin of acrobatics

First recorded in 1880–85; see origin at acrobatic, -ics

Compare meaning

How does acrobatics compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• acrobatics vs. gymnastics

Example Sentences

Grounding these dramatic acrobatics is that tree, which we first meet a decade or so shy of its 200th birthday, in a section set just before and then during the Covid-19 pandemic.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

"I did flying trapeze, acrobatics, and I absolutely loved the performance element of it all," she said.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

The two-hour documentary includes interviews with Carrey and O’Brien, as well as “Only Murders in the Building” stars Steve Martin and Martin Short, a duo deeply influenced by Van Dyke’s blend of eloquence and acrobatics.

From Salon • Dec. 13, 2025

Thousands flocked to the city of Weimar for a recent festival that celebrated the linguistic tradition with workshops, cabaret performances and even heart-stopping circus acrobatics.

From Barron's • Oct. 26, 2025

The blue tit that had been swinging on a bramble, singing “Heigh ho, go-and-get-another-bit-of-moss,” stopped his acrobatics and flew into the wood.

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams