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

Weather permitting, our family often heads outside after dinner to enjoy the crisp air, either playing ball or letting the younger kids lead us in gymnastic and dance tutorials. —Dana Santas, CNN, 28 Nov. 2024

Following Biles’ birthday, the show flashes forward to the gymnastic Olympic trials in Minnesota and into the Paris games. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 25 Oct. 2024

Noun

Yes, indeed, humans are generally good at that kind of mental gymnastics. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024

Wieber is an Olympic gymnastics gold medalist and head coach of women's gymnastics at the University of Arkansas since 2019. —Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1574, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1a