1
gymnastics
jim-ˈna-stiks 
plural in form but singular in construction
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
John Deweymental gymnastics
3
: a physical feat or contortion
the gymnastics necessary for the killer to have swung from the fire escape—E. D. Radin
E. D. RadinExamples of gymnastic in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 16 Aug. 2025
The fish-eating raptor known for gymnastic dives and whistle-like chirps is an American conservation success story.
—Danny Bakst, Fortune, 13 July 2025
Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025
In a feat of moral gymnastics, Vance reprinted a series of offensive text messages from Virginia’s Democratic candidate for attorney general.
—Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 19 Oct. 2025
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Adjective
Five-foot-10 and 170 pounds in his prime, Rondell was known for his daring diving, gymnastic and hang-gliding skills.
—Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 16 Aug. 2025
The fish-eating raptor known for gymnastic dives and whistle-like chirps is an American conservation success story.
—Danny Bakst, Fortune, 13 July 2025
Noun
Indonesia's Minister of Sport Erick Thohir has responded to the recent global backlash and the consequences of denying visas to the Israeli national gymnastics team for the World Championships in Jakarta.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025
In a feat of moral gymnastics, Vance reprinted a series of offensive text messages from Virginia’s Democratic candidate for attorney general.
—Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gymnastic
Cite this Entry
“Gymnastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gymnastic. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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