cartwheel

American  

[kahrt-hweel, -weel] / ˈkɑrtˌʰwil, -ˌwil /

noun

1. the wheel of a cart.

2. an acrobatic feat in which a person starts from a standing position, with arms extended, and wheels the body sideways, landing first on the hands and then on the feet and usually repeating this in a series.

3. Slang. any large coin, especially a U.S. silver dollar.

4. Slang. an amphetamine tablet.

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verb (used without object)

1. to roll forward end over end.

   The skier took a sudden spill and cartwheeled down the slope.

cartwheel British  

/ ˈkɑːtˌwiːl /

noun

1. the wheel of a cart, usually having wooden spokes and metal tyres

2. an acrobatic movement in which the body makes a sideways revolution supported on the hands with arms and legs outstretched

3. slang a large coin, esp the silver dollar

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Other Word Forms

• cartwheeler noun

Etymology

Origin of cartwheel

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; cart, wheel

Example Sentences

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

Yeah, Simone says at one point, something like, "You guys can't even do a cartwheel."

From Salon • Jul. 19, 2024

When Malabuyo jumps onto the beam for the warm-up, even the simplest cartwheel is garnished with a perfect finishing pose.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 15, 2024

Kharsya set the device on the curb and threw herself into a cartwheel.

From Washington Post • Apr. 16, 2023

Seth put up his hands, lunged sideways, and did a cartwheel with sloppy form.

From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull