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.

---

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

---

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

Acrobatics continued with Abel Driggs and Daniel Bridon Benitez darting squirrel-like up and down the Chinese pole, Driggs accenting his outfit with a circus-inspired dental grill.

From New York Times • Nov. 4, 2019

Learn aerial, trapeze, wire-walking and trampoline skills at Seattle’s School of Acrobatics & New Circus Arts.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 4, 2017

I was at the Intro to Circus class at SANCA, the School of Acrobatics & New Circus Arts, in Seattle.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 4, 2017

Theatrics and Acrobatics Commingle Pilobolus, long a popular institution, is now 42.

From New York Times • Jul. 10, 2013

If you thought Cirque du Soleil were good at tumbling, check out this 1902 clip showing Julians Troupe Acrobatics in action.

From The Guardian • Nov. 28, 2012