contortionist

[ kuhn-tawr-shuh-nist ]

noun

1. a person who performs gymnastic feats involving contorted postures.
2. a person who practices contortion:

   a verbal contortionist.

contortionist

/ 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

Derived Forms

• conˌtortionˈistic, adjective

Other Words From

• con·tortion·istic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of contortionist¹

First recorded in 1855–60; contortion + -ist

Example Sentences

You had to become almost a contortionist to eat like that, but necessity works wonders!

From Washington Blade

Inside the “Love” window Elphresh the contortionist elf dances in from of a gold boom-box and 9-foot chrome mushrooms.

From The Daily Beast

Just before she ran off with that contortionist—you know who I mean—handsome chap—what's his name?

From Project Gutenberg

The contortionist had reappeared before the table, and had greeted her mistress by touching her hands to her face.

From Project Gutenberg

This stranger was a contortionist, there could be no question about that now.

From Project Gutenberg

He hoped that, by this time, they had succeeded in shaking the contortionist off their trail.

From Project Gutenberg

A forger and a contortionist make a bad customer to reckon with.

From Project Gutenberg