Somersault: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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