What does handspring mean?
A handspring is a fundamental gymnastics move in which the body rotates forward or backward while airborne, with the hands leaving the ground and the body landing on the hands. As a verb, to handspring means to perform this move, typically in a gymnastics or acrobatic context. The move is a key component of many gymnastics routines and is often used as a building block for more complex skills. In sports contexts, the verb form is commonly used to describe the action of performing a handspring. The word 'handspring' is often used in formal and informal contexts, and its connotations are generally neutral. It is a useful word for describing gymnastics and acrobatic moves, and its interest lies in its technical specificity and its role in the world of sports. Overall, the word 'handspring' is a clear and authoritative term that is widely understood in gymnastics and sports contexts.
A gymnastics move in which the body rotates forward or backward while airborne, with the hands leaving the ground and the body landing on the hands.
"The gymnast executed a flawless handspring on the balance beam."
In gymnastics, a handspring is a fundamental move, often used as a building block for more complex skills.
To perform a gymnastics move in which the body rotates forward or backward while airborne, with the hands leaving the ground and the body landing on the hands.
"She learned to handspring in her gymnastics class."
The verb form is commonly used in sports contexts, particularly in gymnastics and acrobatics.
The plural form is used to describe multiple handsprings, typically in a gymnastics or acrobatic context.
"The gymnast performed several handsprings in a row."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of handspring
The word 'handspring' is derived from the Old English words 'hand' and 'springen', which together mean 'to jump or spring with the hands'. This etymology reflects the move's fundamental characteristic of using the hands to propel the body into the air.
How handspring is actually used
In gymnastics, a handspring is a fundamental move, often used as a building block for more complex skills. The verb form is commonly used in sports contexts, particularly in gymnastics and acrobatics.