somersault

noun

som·​er·​sault ˈsə-mər-ˌsȯlt 

variants or less commonly summersault

: a movement (as in gymnastics) in which a person turns forward or backward in a complete revolution along the ground or in the air bringing the feet over the head

also : a falling or tumbling head over heels

somersault intransitive verb

Examples of somersault in a Sentence

The gymnast turned a somersault.

Recent Examples on the Web

In the Instagram video, Charlotte performed a cartwheel followed by a back somersault on an inflatable mat in what appeared to be the family’s backyard. —Hannah Sacks, People.com, 1 Oct. 2024

After the Rams scored on Williams’ end zone somersault late in the second quarter, Byron Young forced a Brock Purdy fumble to end the half and set the tone for a late push. —Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2024

The hack-and-slash games are known for their melee-style combat, which often involves the use of throwing stars and other traditional ninja weapons interspersed between copious somersaults. —Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2024

Anxious to meet the person doing somersaults inside me all night. —Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 24 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French sombresaut leap, ultimately from Latin super over + saltus leap, from salire to jump — more at over, sally

First Known Use

circa 1530, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

somersault

1 of 2 noun

som·​er·​sault

ˈsəm-ər-ˌsȯlt

: a leap or roll in which a person turns heels over head

somersault

2 of 2 verb

: to perform a somersault

Etymology

from early French sombresaut "somersault," derived from Latin super "over" and saltus "leap," from salire "to jump" — related to resilient