What does vaulter mean?
A vaulter is a noun for someone who performs a vault, a movement in which the body clears an obstacle or passes over the legs of another person. The term is especially associated with gymnastics, where athletes vault over apparatus such as the pommel horse, and with pole vaulting, in which competitors use a long pole to clear a horizontal bar. It can also describe a horse trained to vault over an obstacle. In ordinary sports writing, vaulter usually identifies a participant rather than the movement itself, so a pole vaulter is an athlete who competes in that event. The word is useful because it names the performer while leaving the precise discipline open, although its dominant modern use is athletic.
nounA vaulter is a person who performs a vault, especially a gymnast or pole vaulter. In equestrian contexts, it can also refer to a horse trained to vault over an obstacle.
- A person who performs a vault, especially in gymnastics or pole vaulting.
- A horse trained or practiced in vaulting over obstacles.
"The young vaulter cleared the bar with room to spare."
"She became a leading vaulter on the international circuit."
"The trained vaulter stepped over the hurdle in perfect rhythm."
The regular plural is used when referring to multiple athletes or horses.
"The two vaulters competed in the final round."
From the gymnastics floor to the pole vault, the vaulter is the specialist who makes leaping look effortless.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of vaulter
Vaulter is an English agent noun formed from vault plus the suffix -er, meaning “one who vaults.” The verb vault comes through Old French volter, ultimately from Latin volvere, “to turn, roll,” the same broad root found in words such as revolver and evolve.
How vaulter is actually used
The word is standard sporting terminology and is generally neutral. It most often refers to an athlete, while the equestrian sense is more specialized.