headstand

American  

[hed-stand] / ˈhɛdˌstænd /

noun

1. an act or instance of supporting the body in a vertical position by balancing on the head usually with the aid of the hands.

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verb (used without object)

headstood, headstanding

1. to perform a headstand.

headstand British  

/ ˈhɛdˌstænd /

noun

1. the act or an instance of balancing on the head, usually with the hands as support

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Etymology

Origin of headstand

First recorded in 1930–35; head + stand

Example Sentences

Near the end, two explosive solos raise the temperature, each man trying to get something out in his own way — Pitts with a headstand, Fredericks bending back and circling the space with open arms.

From New York Times • Apr. 28, 2023

“Just like you are not going to be able to do a headstand in your first yoga session.”

From Seattle Times • Mar. 26, 2023

Performing a headstand means your head must hold up to 40 to 48 percent of your body weight, according to research.

From Washington Post • Sep. 18, 2022

A feral Jake Gyllenhaal does a headstand on each crate.

From Slate • Aug. 26, 2021

"I'd do a headstand on a pyramid for just one flavor."

From "Scream for Ice Cream: Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, #2" by Carolyn Keene