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

Derived 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

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

Michael Jackon’s estate has also collaborated with Cirque du Soleil for several acrobatic productions since 2011.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 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

Ndedi, from Cameroon, uses her acrobatic skills for the most elaborate escapes, Cryptic is the hacker from Kenya and Congolese Fred is the getaway driver and gadget maker.

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2026

Not that I had the strength to do the kinds of acrobatic leaps Otto was pulling off, hitting a stiff reed and using the rebound to catapult to the next.

From "Endangered" by Eliot Schrefer