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

My high point was executing an 180 degree mid air somersault crowd surfing on the first night of the Osees residency at Hotel Vegas while John Dwyer inhaled the house mic. —Mars Salazar, Austin American-Statesman, 11 Nov. 2024

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

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