# trapeze

/tɹəˈpiz/ (US) · /tɹəpˈiːz/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/trapeze
Updated: 2026-10-13

## Definition

a short bar hanging from two ropes high above the ground. You see circus performers use it to swing through the air and perform tricks.

For teachers: a short horizontal bar suspended by two parallel ropes, used by acrobats and gymnasts for aerial performances. Often used in the context of circus arts or competitive gymnastics.

## Examples

- The acrobat caught the trapeze just in time.
- The circus performer swung gracefully from one trapeze to another, high above the safety net.
- Mastering the flying trapeze requires not only immense physical strength and coordination but also a profound level of trust between the flyer and the catcher.

## Usage notes

- Commonly appears in the phrase 'flying trapeze' to describe the specific circus discipline.

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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.