gymnastic

1 of 2

adjective

gym·​nas·​tic jim-ˈna-stik 

: of or relating to gymnastics : athletic

gymnastically

jim-ˈna-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

gymnastic

2 of 2

noun

1

gymnastics jim-ˈna-stiks  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

mental gymnastics

3

: a physical feat or contortion

the gymnastics necessary for the killer to have swung from the fire escape

—E. D. Radin

Examples of gymnastic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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

With the authentic, charismatic Jordan on display, Chiles channeled her energy into near-perfect gymnastics, leading the Bruins to a historic postseason run. —Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025

The gymnastics meet is scheduled for Friday, May 23, at West Hills High School. —Ben Ali H Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1574, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for gymnastic

• aplastic
• bombastic
• dynastic
• dysplastic
• elastic
• fantastic
• monastic
• sarcastic
• scholastic
• silastic
• stochastic
• aeroelastic