# acrobatics

/ˌækɹəˈbætɪks/ (US) · /ˌækɹəbˈætɪks/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/acrobatics
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

difficult and dangerous physical movements that require great strength and balance. You often see these in sports, circuses, or when someone is trying to solve a tricky problem.

For teachers: a series of difficult, dangerous, or highly skilled physical movements requiring great agility and balance. Often used metaphorically to describe complex or elaborate mental or verbal maneuvers.

## Examples

- The gymnast performed amazing acrobatics on the balance beam.
- The pilot performed dangerous acrobatics in the sky to avoid the storm clouds.
- While the circus was famous for its human acrobatics, the audience was equally impressed by the precision of the mechanical acrobatics performed by the clockwork automaton.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.