trampoline

American  

[tram-puh-leen, tram-puh-leen, -lin] / ˌtræm pəˈlin, ˈtræm pəˌlin, -lɪn /

noun

1. a sheet, usually of canvas, attached by resilient cords or springs to a horizontal frame several feet above the floor, used by acrobats and gymnasts as a springboard in tumbling.

2. Nautical. a fabric deck stretched on the braces connecting the hulls of a catamaran or trimaran, resembling a gymnastic trampoline.

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trampoline British  

/ -ˌliːn, ˈtræmpəlɪn /

noun

1. a tough canvas sheet suspended by springs or elasticated cords from a frame, used by acrobats, gymnasts, etc

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verb

1. (intr) to exercise on a trampoline

Other Word Forms

• trampoliner noun
• trampolinist noun

Etymology

Origin of trampoline

1790–1800; variant of trampolin < Italian trampolino springboard, equivalent to trampol ( i ) stilts (< Germanic; trample ) + -ino -ine ¹

Example Sentences

“The A-net is much more like hitting a trampoline,” Morse said.

From Los Angeles Times

The former elite trampoline gymnast put an elegant flair on the skill, splitting her legs in the air and landing on one skate.

From Los Angeles Times

When I was able to play on a trampoline with them, play football with them in the garden, I loved being a dad.

From BBC

The resulting patchy surfaces drew criticism at the 2024 Copa America, with players complaining of "frustrating" pitches that felt like "a trampoline."

From Barron's

Just thinking about that made Bat feel queasy, like he’d been jumping on a trampoline with a stomach full of pizza.

From Literature