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Somersault Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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somersault

[ˈsʌmərsɔːlt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

athletics

An acrobatic movement in which a person turns head over heels in the air or on the ground.

Synonyms

cartwheel, flip.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
somersault

Describes a full flip where the body turns head over heels. Common in gymnastics and acrobatics.

  • The gymnast did a perfect somersault during her routine.
  • The kids were playing in the park, trying to do somersaults on the soft grass.
flip

Can refer to any kind of quick rotation or somersault, generally used in a more informal context. Often used in sports like diving, skateboarding, and gymnastics.

  • The diver did a flip off the high diving board.
  • He can flip the skateboard in mid-air and land it perfectly.
cartwheel

Refers to a gymnastic move where a person moves sideways with their hands and feet touching the ground one after another. Popular in cheerleading and gymnastic routines.

  • She showed off her cartwheel skills during the cheerleading practice.
  • The children were doing cartwheels on the beach, enjoying the sunny day.

Examples of usage

  • He performed a perfect somersault during the gymnastics routine.
  • She did a somersault to celebrate her victory.
Context #2 | Verb

informal

To perform a somersault.

Synonyms

flip, tumble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
somersault

A complete turn in the air or on the ground, typically associated with gymnastic or acrobatic activities.

  • The gymnast performed a perfect somersault during her routine
  • The children were doing somersaults on the grass
flip

A quick rotation of the body in the air, often used in casual or recreational contexts; can refer to both forward and backward movements.

  • He did a backflip off the diving board
  • She flipped off the swing and landed on her feet
tumble

To fall or roll end over end, often used to describe a more uncontrolled or unintentional movement, sometimes with a negative connotation.

  • He tumbled down the hill after losing his balance
  • The cat tumbled off the countertop and scrambled to its feet

Examples of usage

  • The gymnast somersaulted across the mat with ease.
  • He somersaulted off the diving board into the pool.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'somersault'

The word 'somersault' originated from the Old French word 'sobresault', which was a compound of 'sobre' (over) and 'sault' (jump). The term has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe the acrobatic movement of turning head over heels.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,599 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.