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

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 • May 31, 2025

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 • Oct. 10, 2024

Now, thanks to social media, he has begun to establish himself as a professional contortionist and is training others to do the same.

From BBC • Jan. 10, 2023

In addition to Clayton, in January 2021 they lost Sophie, the transformative producer who taught them how to piece together glitchy, contortionist pop.

From New York Times • Apr. 20, 2022

It latches automatically, and the box is undeniably closed, with the contortionist clearly visible inside.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern