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

See Examples For:

handspring handspringing

Even the simplest skills such as a back handspring, which most elite gymnasts master by Kindergarten age, left her mind frozen with fear.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 7, 2025

Her tricky front aerial, front handspring series was too inconsistent to trust on meet days.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 7, 2025

With one last running handspring across the stage and a blown kiss, Boone was off.

From Seattle Times ● May 4, 2024

"I was practising a new vault, which is known as a handspring front somersault, for an upcoming competition," she said.

From BBC ● Jul. 16, 2023

There was a strip of grass between the sidewalk and the street, and when Baby reached it she stood still for a second and then turned a handspring.

From "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers

Visualize sticking a dismount or handspringing across the floor, and you’ll understand why.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 21, 2022