gymnast
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of gymnast
1585–95; < Greek gymnastḗs the trainer of the athletes, equivalent to gymnáz ( ein ) ( see gymnasium 1) + -tēs agent suffix
Explanation
A gymnast is a person who trains in and practices the sport of gymnastics. If you become a gymnast, you'll learn to walk and jump and even do cartwheels on a balance beam. Athletes who participate in gymnastics are gymnasts. During competitions, gymnasts perform routines on uneven and parallel bars; vault over a special "horse" or table; and demonstrate a series of floor moves including back flips, handstands, and leaps. Gymnast comes from gymnastics, which is based on the Greek gynmastikos, "skilled in bodily exercise," from the root gymnazein, "to exercise."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
American Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time, made a series of Instagram story posts about "one of, if not the scariest experience of my life" and said she was resting in bed.
From BBC ● Jun. 7, 2026
This decade, it has landed partnerships with the likes of Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and singer-songwriter Alicia Keys.
From MarketWatch ● May 31, 2026
They were captivated by the choreography on the floor and the balance on the beam, by the work each gymnast puts into their routine and by the thrills of the best show in Los Angeles.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 27, 2026
Starting in the third grade, I trained at a gym to compete as an Olympic gymnast.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 17, 2026
Being in Scotland, I knew the audience was going to cheer extra loud for the gymnast from Great Britain, who was finishing up on floor right as I mounted the beam.
From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles
A pioneer in her sport, she has invented several technical skills which have been performed by other gymnasts and are known as 'the Biles'.
From BBC ● Jun. 7, 2026
In October 2023, Laura's case was heard and the ICP panel issued the lead coach at Laura's former club with a warning, due to their "serious concerns" about the approach to weighing gymnasts at club.
From BBC ● May 21, 2026
The constantly changing lineup means all gymnasts must be prepared for changes.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 7, 2026
With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics fast approaching, McDonald and her coaching staff understand the importance of maintaining and developing the elite skills in their gymnasts that will carry them in national and international competition.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 23, 2026
We all knew the rules: Only the most qualified gymnasts would make the team.
From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
