somersault
or som·er·set sum·mer·sault, sum·mer·set
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.
to perform a somersault.
Origin of somersault
1Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use somersault in a sentence
Mrs. Pendleton established herself at the Summerset House, with her two daughters.
Jolly Sally Pendleton | Laura Jean LibbeyOver rocks and stumps, on one of which the coach narrowly escaped turning a summerset.
The Complete Works of Artemus Ward | Charles Farrar Browne (AKA Artemus Ward)We can't keep 'im from goin' over the break, an' if he tackles you—just summerset it down the gully.
The Grizzly King | James Oliver CurwoodHis plan is to come down on the other side upon his hands, and so turn a summerset, and come up on his feet beyond.
Richard III | Jacob AbbottMy book is not ready for the press yet; and as to writing here, who could produce an epic in the pauses of a summerset?
The Letters of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Volume II | Elizabeth Barrett Browning
British Dictionary definitions for somersault
summersault
/ (ˈsʌməˌsɔːlt) /
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
(intr) to perform a somersault
Origin of somersault
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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