contortionist

American  

[kuhn-tawr-shuh-nist] / kənˈtɔr ʃə nɪst /

noun

1. a person who performs gymnastic feats involving contorted postures.

2. a person who practices contortion.

   a verbal contortionist.

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contortionist British  

/ kənˈtɔːʃənɪst /

noun

1. a performer who contorts his body for the entertainment of others

2. a person who twists or warps meaning or thoughts

   a verbal contortionist

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Other Word Forms

• contortionistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of contortionist

First recorded in 1855–60; contortion + -ist

Example Sentences

“I don’t know how it got under there. It must be a contortionist,” he told The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

“May I leave my contortionist skills at the door and speak from the heart?” asked the Oscar-nominated performer.

From Los Angeles Times

The magician Ricky Jay’s compendium of actual “unique, eccentric and amazing entertainers” offers a parade of con artists, charlatans, escapologists, daredevils, mesmerists, contortionists and sideshow acts.

From The Wall Street Journal

That word came up many times during the show’s first audition rounds as dancers, singers, magicians, acrobats and a contortionist took the stage.

From Salon

But once you tease out fact from fake, “Disclaimer” is a fairly straightforward revenge story, though whether or not the revenge is deserved is a central question of its contortionist plot.

From Los Angeles Times