handspring

American  

[hand-spring] / ˈhændˌsprɪŋ /

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.

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verb (used without object)

handsprang, handsprung, handspringing

1. to perform a handspring.

handspring British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of handspring

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.

From Los Angeles Times

Her coaches helped her overcome the mental block by drilling hundreds of back handsprings over and over.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Salon

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

From Los Angeles Times

“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.

From Seattle Times