Somersault

/ˈsʌmərsɔːlt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A movement in which a person rolls forward or backward, turning completely over so that the feet go over the head.

The gymnast executed a perfect somersault during her routine.

An act of turning over in the air, often associated with acrobatics or gymnastics.

He did a somersault off the diving board and landed gracefully in the water.

verb

To perform a somersault.

The children somersaulted across the grass, laughing with delight.

To turn over, especially in an acrobatic manner.

She somersaulted down the hill, enjoying the thrill of the roll.

From the Middle French 'sombresaut', from 'sombre' (to leap) and 'saut' (jump).

do a somersault

To perform a somersault, usually with ease.

somersault in one's grave

To feel shocked or upset by something.

flip

To turn over quickly in the air.

vault

To leap over or across something.

To unexpectedly turn your life around.

After that promotion, my life did a somersault!

To confuse someone completely.

He really somersaulted my brain with that story.