Gymnast
/ˈdʒɪm.næst/noun
A person trained in gymnastics, especially one skilled in acrobatic and athletic exercises.
Did you know?The word comes from Greek gymnazein, “to train,” which is tied to gymnos, “naked,” because athletes trained and competed without clothing in many Greek settings.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*naked
“An ancient root behind the Greek word for nakedness.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
gymnos
“Naked; unclothed.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
gymnazein
“To exercise, train, or drill, originally in the nude.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
gymnastēs
“A trainer or athlete, especially one skilled in physical exercise.”
Late Latin
Latin
gymnasta
“A gymnast or athletic trainer.”
16th-17th Century
English
gymnast
“A person trained in physical exercises and feats of agility.”
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