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funambulist

funambulist

9.9
A person who walks on a thin rope high above the ground
  • noun
  • /fəˈnæmbjəlɪst/
  • Specialized
translation icon : funambulista
  • She trained for years to become a professional funambulist and perform in circuses around the world.

Examples

  • The funambulist amazed the audience with his incredible balance.

  • The skilled funambulist amazed the audience as he crossed the high wire without a safety net.

  • It takes immense concentration and balance to succeed as a funambulist.

  • Have you ever seen a funambulist perform live?

  • The funambulist amazed the crowd with her incredible balance as she walked across the tightrope.

  • During the circus performance, the funambulist skillfully executed tricks high above the audience.

  • People gasped as the funambulist balanced on one leg while performing a daring routine on the slack rope.

Synonyms

acrobat
vsfunambulist
22 4.4

A person who does skilled, risky moves like flips and tightrope walking

is limited to rope balancing acts rather than general physical feats
tightrope walker
vsfunambulist
2 5.5

A performer who walks and balances on a thin rope high above the ground

focuses on rope balance but does not stress great height
circus acrobat
vsfunambulist
1 3.7

A person who does physical tricks and jumps in a circus show

is not limited to circus performance but defined by rope balancing
ropewalker
vsfunambulist
8.3

A person who walks on a rope high above the ground and does tricks

emphasizes feats of balance on rope rather than movement along it
ropedancer
vsfunambulist
8.3

A performer who balances on a rope high above the ground

focuses on technical balance feats rather than a dance style
balancer
vsfunambulist
8.0

A person who holds difficult steady positions in a show

performs balance on a rope specifically rather than only holding positions

Surface Forms

funambulist singular
funambulists plural

Etymology

Funambulist comes from Latin parts funis ('rope') and ambulare ('to walk'), so it literally means 'rope-walker'. It shares the walking root with English words like amble, which is why a funambulist is an acrobat who walks along a tightrope.