What does trampolining mean?
Trampolining is the activity of bouncing and performing aerial movements on a trampoline, either recreationally or as an organized sport. As a noun, it names the activity or discipline; as a verb, it describes someone making repeated controlled bounces, often while executing flips, twists, or precise landings. The term is familiar in British and American English as the name of an Olympic competition and of recreational activity in parks, schools, and backyards. Although the equipment may suggest simple play, competitive trampolining requires considerable body control, timing, flexibility, and technical skill. The word is useful because it identifies both a recognizable everyday pastime and a demanding athletic discipline, while also distinguishing the activity from the trampoline itself.
The activity or sport of bouncing and performing aerial movements on a trampoline.
"Trampolining is both an Olympic sport and a popular recreational pastime."
Usually used as a mass noun rather than with a plural form.
To bounce or perform acrobatic movements on a trampoline.
"They were trampolining at the community center."
Commonly used intransitively.
Trampolining is normally a mass noun, so it is not normally counted with plural -s.
"There was plenty of trampolining at the festival."
The humble trampoline began as a gymnast's training aid and later became an Olympic stage.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does trampolining come from?
The English word trampoline was borrowed in the late nineteenth century from French, which had borrowed it from Italian trampolino. Italian trampolino is a diminutive of trampolo, meaning “hurdle,” although the ultimate origin of that word is uncertain. The form trampolining was later formed in English as a gerund naming the activity performed on the apparatus.
How trampolining is actually used
The word is standard in British and American English. The noun is normally treated as a mass noun, while the verb is commonly intransitive.
Easily confused with trampolining
A trampoline is the elastic apparatus used for the activity, whereas trampolining is the activity or sport performed on it.