acrobatics

American  

[ak-ruh-bat-iks] / ˌæk rəˈbæt ɪks /

noun

acrobatics plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• acrobatics
  plural

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

France also dispatched its air force acrobatics team to the United States this month to mark the 250th anniversary.

From Barron's • Jun. 29, 2026

Russell is heard to ask, and is told that such acrobatics are not in that plane’s repertoire.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 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

The deeper one analyzes it, the more sinister its class dynamics feel, even if it’s an excuse to showcase, say, street dancing and hula hoop acrobatics.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 5, 2025

Magdalys wanted to ask her who on earth she was, this strange, slender girl who seemed to know everything from battle tactics to acrobatics, but she restrained herself.

From "Dactyl Hill Squad" by Daniel José Older