contortionist

noun

con·​tor·​tion·​ist kən-ˈtȯr-sh(ə-)nist How to pronounce contortionist (audio)
Synonyms of contortionistnext
: one who contorts
specifically : an acrobat able to twist the body into unusual postures
contortionistic
kən-ˌtȯr-shə-ˈni-stik How to pronounce contortionist (audio)
adjective

Examples of contortionist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And the bubbly contortionist, 42, might have set a trend with those one-of-a-kind movements. — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025 Last week’s contortionist archer. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 1 May 2026 Villain Arts has human suspension acts, contortionists and more lined up as entertainment for festival-goers. — Angelika Ytuarte, jsonline.com, 30 Sep. 2025 Highlight play Alexander-Walker channeled his inner contortionist in the second quarter. — Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 24 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contortionist

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of contortionist was in 1844

Browse Nearby Words

contortionate
contortionist
contortive
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contortionist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contortionist. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

contortionist

noun
con·​tor·​tion·​ist kən-ˈtȯr-sh(ə-)nəst How to pronounce contortionist (audio)
: an acrobat able to twist the body into unusual positions

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