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

France's air force acrobatics team staged a flyover of the Statue of Liberty on Tuesday, part of commemorations for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 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 Awakening at Wynn Las Vegas — There’s dancing, illusions, puppetry and acrobatics on full display in “The Awakening,” a visually striking production at Wynn Las Vegas.

From Salon • Mar. 7, 2026

The couple, who married in 2011, produced an equine-human acrobatics show called Valitar.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 24, 2025

Of course I treated it well in matters of oil changes and greasing, and I did not drive it to its limit or force it to do acrobatics required of sports cars.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck