What does handspring mean?
A handspring is a gymnastic movement in which a person places both hands on the ground, flips the legs over the body, and lands on the feet beyond the hands. It is performed individually or in sequences during gymnastics, tumbling, cheerleading, acrobatics, and circus acts. The word functions as both a noun and a verb: a gymnast may execute a handspring or be described as handspringing across the floor. The movement requires coordination, momentum, and controlled balance, making it both athletic and visually striking. Although somersault is sometimes used loosely as a synonym, the two movements are not identical because the hands contact the ground in a handspring. The term is relatively uncommon outside descriptions of sport and performance, and it carries a more specific, technical association than the general words flip or leap.
A gymnastic movement in which both hands are placed on the ground and the legs pass over the body so that the feet land beyond the hands; also, an instance of this movement.
"Her handspring carried her across the apparatus without a wobble."
The word may refer to a single movement or, collectively, to the skill of performing handsprings.
To perform a handspring.
"He handsprung across the floor as the crowd cheered."
The verb is common in sports reporting and descriptions of acrobatics, while its simple past is handsprung.
The standard plural adds -s; handsprings may refer to several individual movements or to a sequence performed by one person.
"The young gymnast performed three handsprings across the mat."
A handspring puts the hands in front and the feet in back, briefly turning the body upside down.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does handspring come from?
Handspring is a transparent English compound formed from hand and spring, with spring used in its sense of leaping or bounding. The oldest English element is hand, from Old English hand, while spring derives from Old English springan, meaning to leap or bound. Both elements have Germanic cognates, including German Hand and springen and Dutch hand and springen.
Related word forms
How handspring is actually used
The term is associated with gymnastics, tumbling, cheerleading, and circus performance. In casual speech, it may be replaced by the broader words flip or somersault, depending on the movement intended.
Easily confused with handspring
A handspring places the hands on the ground before the feet land, whereas a somersault can be performed through the air without the hands touching the ground.
A handspring is a flipping movement that ends on the feet, while a handstand is a stationary position supported on the hands.