What does somersaulting mean?
Somersaulting describes the act of rotating completely through the air so that the feet pass over the head. It is most commonly encountered as the present participle of the verb “somersault,” especially in the present continuous form: someone is somersaulting down a hill or across a stage. The word can also be used before a noun as an adjective, as with “somersaulting gymnast.” In performance, sport, and everyday descriptions, it suggests controlled agility and a complete bodily rotation, distinguishing it from a simple fall, stumble, or partial flip. Somersaulting can be playful and exciting, but it can also carry a negative humorous connotation when someone falls in an exaggerated or uncontrolled way. The term is used in both British and American English and is especially familiar from gymnastics, acrobatics, circus performances, and descriptions of energetic physical activity.
To turn completely over in the air, typically with the feet passing over the head.
"She kept somersaulting across the floor while the audience cheered."
Usually used in the present continuous when describing an action occurring at the time, though the past form is “somersaulted.”
Performing a complete rotation through the air.
"A somersaulting bear briefly stole the show at the circus."
This is a participial adjective and normally appears directly before a noun.
A somersault is more than an ordinary tumble: the body must rotate completely, putting the feet over the head.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does somersaulting come from?
The word entered English from French “somersault” during the late Middle English period. Its French development combines elements referring to being “over” and making a “leap” or “vault,” reflecting the movement of turning completely over in the air.
Related word forms
How somersaulting is actually used
The form is chiefly the present participle of “somersault” and is used in continuous or progressive constructions. It can also function attributively before a noun, as in “a somersaulting clown.”