Acrobat
/ˈæ.krə.bæt/noun
A performer of gymnastic feats involving balance, agility, and coordination.
Did you know?In ancient times, acrobats were often seen as magical figures, believed to communicate with the gods through their gravity-defying performances.
Etymological Timeline
Greek
Greek
ἀκροβάτης (akrobátēs)
“One who walks on the edge or high places.”
Latin
Latin
acrobatēs
“A performer on high places, derived from the Greek.”
16th Century
English
acrobat
“Adopted from Latin, referring to a circus performer.”
Modern English
English
acrobat
“A performer skilled in feats of agility and balance.”
Explore more surprising origins