Trapeze: Definition, Usage & Circus Context

Meaning 1：acrobatic swing bar (trapeze)

trapeze 🔊

/trəˈpiːz/

A bar hanging by two ropes high in the air, used by circus performers for swinging and doing acrobatic tricks.

Trapeze illustration: female acrobat swinging on a circus bar with safety net below

acrobatic swing bar 🔊

➕

/ˌækrəˈbætɪk swɪŋ bɑːr/

A horizontal bar suspended by two ropes, used by performers for swinging and acrobatic maneuvers, typically in a circus setting.

📁 Category：Entertainment & Sports 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Derived from French 'trapèze', from Latin 'trapezium', Greek 'trapezion' meaning 'little table'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'trap-ease' – swinging with ease on a bar shaped like a trapezoid.

📖 Example

At the circus, my heart was in my mouth as the acrobat let go of the trapeze and flipped through the air before being caught by her partner. 🔊 In the circus, I was extremely nervous as the acrobat released the trapeze, performed a flip, and was caught by her partner.

🔗 Collocations

swing on the trapeze – to use the trapeze for swinging movements

trapeze artist – a performer skilled in trapeze acts

trapeze act – a performance involving the trapeze

🔄 Synonyms

aerial bar (n.) – a bar used in aerial performances, similar to a trapeze

swing (n.) – a seat or bar suspended for swinging, though less specific to acrobatics

high bar (n.) – a fixed bar used in gymnastics for swinging exercises

🌱 Derivatives

trapezist (n.) – a performer who works on a trapeze

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Greek 'trapezion' (little table), referring to its trapezoidal shape. Popularized in 19th-century circus acts as a symbol of aerial daring and performance art.