handspring

[hand-spring]

noun

1. an acrobatic feat in which one starts from a standing position and wheels the body forward or backward in a complete circle, landing first on the hands and then on the feet, without contact by the rest of the body.

verb (used without object)

handsprang, handsprung, handspringing. 

1. to perform a handspring.

handspring

/ ˈhændˌsprɪŋ /

noun

1. a gymnastic feat in which a person starts from a standing position and leaps forwards or backwards into a handstand and then onto his feet

Word History and Origins

Origin of handspring¹

First recorded in 1870–75; hand + spring

Example Sentences

For me, it’s so fun because I’m the aunt that’ll teach the kids to do front handsprings on the trampoline out there.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

When Moors was struggling to consistently land a difficult front-tumbling acrobatic series on beam, she and McDonald knew the obvious answer was to substitute a back handspring.

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Before the aerials, the back handsprings, the 100-meter dashes and relay handoffs, these seemingly otherworldly talents are still regular people.

Read more on Salon

Her body whips back in a lightning-fast handspring that leaves even the best athletes in the world in the dust.

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“I really didn’t want people arbitrarily peeling off into back handsprings for no reason. It had to really honor his most, important memories,” Stone says.

Read more on Seattle Times