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

• semiacrobatic
  adjective
• acrobatically
  adverb

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

The 30-year-old had a large following on social media and was well known for performing daring acrobatic stunts in online videos.

From BBC • Jun. 15, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

Mercutio in “Romeo and Juliet” begets similar difficulties: He loves to hear himself talk, and his utterances can have an acrobatic or even pyrotechnic quality.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

An acrobatic closing section featuring a backflip, aerial twist and a one-armed cartwheel captivated the crowd, who cheered wildly.

From Barron's • Feb. 10, 2026

The horse is renowned for his strength and valour, and sires acrobatic colts.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson