somersault

American  

[suhm-er-sawlt] / ˈsʌm ərˌsɔlt /

Or somerset

noun

1. an acrobatic movement, either forward or backward, in which the body rolls end over end, making a complete revolution.

2. such a movement performed in the air as part of a dive, tumbling routine, etc.

3. a complete overturn or reversal, as of opinion.

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verb (used without object)

1. to perform a somersault.

somersault British  

/ ˈsʌməˌsɔːlt /

noun

1. 1. a forward roll in which the head is placed on the ground and the trunk and legs are turned over it

   2. a similar roll in a backward direction

2. an acrobatic feat in which either of these rolls are performed in midair, as in diving or gymnastics

3. a complete reversal of opinion, policy, etc

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verb

1. (intr) to perform a somersault

Etymology

Origin of somersault

1520–30; < Middle French sombresaut, alteration of sobresault; compare Old Provençal sobre over (< Latin super ), saut a leap (< Latin saltus )

Explanation

A somersault is a gymnastic move in which you lower your head almost to the floor and roll forward so your feet flip over your head. Fancier somersaults are done in the air, rather than on the ground. There are many types of somersaults—forward, backward, and sideways, among other variations. In gymnastics, a somersault on the floor is more often called a roll. The word somersault, which works as a verb too, comes from the now-obsolete French sombresault, from the Latin roots supra, "over," and saut, "a jump."

Example Sentences

After the Rams scored on Williams’ end zone somersault late in the second quarter, Byron Young forced a Brock Purdy fumble to end the half and set the tone for a late push.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 23, 2024

When circus-goers witness acts like a triple somersault on the trapeze or spinning in a human hamster wheel without a harness, they see a fleeting moment that is said to have divine impact.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 19, 2024

Watch as West Indies' Kevin Sinclair celebrates taking Harry Brook's wicket with an "extraordinary" somersault on day one of the second Test at Trent Bridge.

From BBC • Jul. 18, 2024

Nelson Agholor's somersault touchdown helps the Baltimore Ravens to a 34-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL.

From BBC • Nov. 17, 2023

“Ha!” he shouted, and his dark hair fell in his eyes as he dodged a laser blast by doing a somersault through the air.

From "Trouble at the Arcade (The Hardy Boys: Secret Files, #1)" by Franklin W. Dixon

Related Words

• bounce
• bound
• dive
• drop
• fall
• hop
• plummet
• skip
• surge
• take
• top
• vault