1
gymnastics
jim-ˈna-stiks 
plural in form but singular in construction
plural in form but singular in construction
a
: physical exercises designed to develop strength and coordination
b
: a competitive sport in which individuals perform optional and prescribed acrobatic feats mostly on special apparatus in order to demonstrate strength, balance, and body control
2
: an exercise in intellectual or artistic dexterity
my earlier philosophic study had been an intellectual gymnastic—
John Dewey
John Deweymental gymnastics
3
: a physical feat or contortion
the gymnastics necessary for the killer to have swung from the fire escape—E. D. Radin
E. D. RadinExamples of gymnastic in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Sara Holdren, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2025
Within this abstract framing, the troupe’s renowned gymnastic ingenuity soars.
—Karen D'souza, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025
Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Paul Juda helped the U.S. Olympic team to a bronze medal in men’s artistic gymnastics in Paris last summer and the winning never stopped for the 23-year-old.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gymnastic
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Adjective
There’s a haunted quality, a gymnastic facility with language, an intellect like an impact driver.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2025
Within this abstract framing, the troupe’s renowned gymnastic ingenuity soars.
—Karen D'souza, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
Among those casting their votes were Olympic Champion Nadia Comăneci (ROU), the first athlete to score a perfect ten in women’s gymnastics, and four-time Olympic Champion, men’s gymnast Li Xiaopeng (CHN).
—Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Paul Juda helped the U.S. Olympic team to a bronze medal in men’s artistic gymnastics in Paris last summer and the winning never stopped for the 23-year-old.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gymnastic
Cite this Entry
“Gymnastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gymnastic. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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