What does trapeze mean?
A trapeze is a horizontal bar suspended by ropes, used by acrobats and gymnasts who swing, hang, and perform aerial movements on it. The word can also refer to the apparatus itself or to a routine or discipline performed on it. In ordinary usage, the apparatus is usually associated with circus and variety performances, although modern trapeze training is also practiced as a serious athletic and artistic activity. “Trapeze” is neutral in register and is understood in both British and American English; the verb “to trapeze” is comparatively uncommon. The term comes from French and ultimately from Greek words connected with a four-footed shape or a table, the origin of a family of geometric terms including “trapezium” and “trapezoid.” Trapeze imagery is especially vivid because the performer appears briefly unsupported in midair, turning balance and controlled momentum into the central features of the act.
A horizontal bar suspended by ropes for acrobatic or gymnastic movements; also the routine or discipline performed on it.
"The performer released the trapeze just before the net was removed."
The apparatus sense is dominant today, while the event or discipline sense is also established.
To perform movements on a trapeze.
"She trapezes in circus shows throughout Europe."
This verb is relatively uncommon outside descriptions of performance and training.
The plural is uncommon in ordinary speech but is used when referring to multiple pieces of apparatus.
"The circus installed two trapezes above the stage."
Trapeze comes from a Greek word meaning “table,” an unexpectedly grounded origin for an apparatus associated with flying.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of trapeze
The word was borrowed from French trapèze in the 19th century. French in turn drew it from Greek trapezē, meaning “table,” from a word associated with a four-footed shape and ultimately with tetra- meaning “four” and pous meaning “foot.” The same Greek root also produced English geometric terms such as trapezium and trapezoid.
How trapeze is actually used
The noun is neutral and standard in both British and American English. The verb “to trapeze” is much less common and usually describes performing on the apparatus.
Easily confused with trapeze
A trapeze is an apparatus suspended for acrobatic movements, whereas a trapezoid is a four-sided geometric figure with at least one pair of parallel sides.