What does volte mean?
Volte is a fencing term for a circular movement made while attacking. The fencer continues to direct the attack while moving in a circle, typically allowing the blade to trace a curved path and the body to redirect its force. It is therefore more than a simple change of direction: the turn is part of an active attacking maneuver. The word is chiefly used in descriptions of classical and competitive fencing, where precise terminology helps distinguish particular blade and footwork movements. It should not be confused with volt, the unit of electric potential, or with volta, an Italian musical instruction meaning “turn.” Although uncommon outside fencing, volte is a vivid example of specialized English vocabulary preserving a precise technical distinction. Its standard plural is voltes.
nounIn fencing, a circular movement of the blade or body made while attacking. The movement allows the fencer to continue an attack while changing direction.
- A circular fencing movement made while attacking.
"The fencer executed a precise volte, circling toward her opponent without interrupting the attack."
"The fencer executed a precise volte, circling toward her opponent without interrupting the attack."
"In the final exchange, he used a volte to redirect his attack and regain control of the blade."
The standard plural of the noun is voltes.
"The fencer performed several voltes during the final bout."
A volte turns the point of the blade in a circle, making the attack itself part of the footwork.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of volte
The English word comes through French from Italian volta, meaning “turn,” ultimately from Latin volvere, “to turn, roll, or revolve.” The term was adopted in the specialized vocabulary of fencing for a circular attacking movement. Its connection with English words such as volta, volt, revolve, and revolution reflects the shared Latin root involving turning or rolling.
How volte is actually used
Volte is a specialist fencing term rather than general vocabulary. It is most often used in formal descriptions of fencing technique and competition.
Easily confused with volte
A volt is the SI unit of electric potential, whereas a volte is a circular movement used in fencing.
Volta is an Italian musical term meaning 'turn' and is also the source of terms such as volt, while volte is the English fencing term.