This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
somersault
or som·er·set sum·mer·sault, sum·mer·set
[ suhm-er-sawlt ]
/ ˈsʌm ərˌsɔlt /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
an acrobatic movement, either forward or backward, in which the body rolls end over end, making a complete revolution.
such a movement performed in the air as part of a dive, tumbling routine, etc.
a complete overturn or reversal, as of opinion.
verb (used without object)
to perform a somersault.
QUIZ
GOOSES. GEESES. I WANT THIS QUIZ ON PLURAL NOUNS!
Test how much you really know about regular and irregular plural nouns with this quiz.
Question 1 of 9
Which of the following nouns has an irregular plural form?
Origin of somersault
1520–30; <Middle French sombresaut, alteration of sobresault; compare Old Provençal sobre over (<Latin super), saut a leap (<Latin saltus)
Words nearby somersault
someday, somedeal, somehow, someone, someplace, somersault, Somerset, Somerset House, Somerset Island, Somersetshire, Somers Point
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use somersault in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for somersault
somersault
summersault
/ (ˈsʌməˌsɔːlt) /
noun
- a forward roll in which the head is placed on the ground and the trunk and legs are turned over it
- a similar roll in a backward direction
an acrobatic feat in which either of these rolls are performed in midair, as in diving or gymnastics
a complete reversal of opinion, policy, etc
verb
(intr) to perform a somersault
Word Origin for somersault
C16: from Old French soubresault, probably from Old Provençal sobresaut, from sobre over (from Latin super) + saut a jump, leap (from Latin saltus)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012