cartwheel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to informal when referring to the gymnastic move; formal for the literal wheel.
Quick answer
What does “cartwheel” mean?
A handspring with arms and legs extended, imitating the wheel of a cart.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A handspring with arms and legs extended, imitating the wheel of a cart.
1. A large wheel on a cart. 2. A rapid, continuous, or impressive succession of events or actions (e.g., 'a cartwheel of emotions'). 3. A type of large, round coin, historically.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use the word identically for both meanings. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
In both, evokes childhood, gymnastics, playfulness. The gymnastic meaning is dominant in everyday speech.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties. Slightly more prevalent in US discourse due to higher visibility of cheerleading.
Grammar
How to Use “cartwheel” in a Sentence
[Subject] + do/turn/perform + a cartwheel[Subject] + cartwheel + (adverb of direction, e.g., across, down, into)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cartwheel” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The puppy cartwheeled clumsily down the slope.
- She cartwheeled off the podium in celebration.
American English
- The gymnast cartwheeled across the floor exercise mat.
- He cartwheeled into the end zone after the touchdown.
adverb
British English
- N/A. Standard dictionaries do not list an adverbial form.
American English
- N/A. Standard dictionaries do not list an adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- The cartwheel hat was a wide-brimmed style. (historical/descriptive)
- They found a cartwheel penny in the field.
American English
- She wore a vintage cartwheel hat to the race. (historical/descriptive)
- The antique cartwheel mechanism was rusted.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Figuratively: 'The company did a financial cartwheel after the merger.'
Academic
Rare, except in historical texts (wheel design) or sports science.
Everyday
Common, especially in contexts of play, gymnastics, childhood, and celebration.
Technical
In gymnastics/cheerleading: a defined skill. In history/antiques: a type of wheel or coin.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cartwheel”
- Confusing 'cartwheel' with 'somersault' (forward/backward roll vs. lateral handspring).
- Using it as a verb incorrectly: 'She cartwheeled the mat' (wrong) vs. 'She cartwheeled across the mat' (correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A cartwheel is a lateral move where you land on alternating hands and feet. A somersault (or roll) involves tucking and rotating forward or backward along the spine.
Yes. It means to perform the gymnastic move of a cartwheel (e.g., 'She cartwheeled across the lawn').
It refers to the large, solid wooden wheel of a cart or wagon. It is also the name of a large, heavy British penny minted in the late 18th century.
It is moderately common, familiar to most native speakers primarily for its gymnastic meaning. Its literal meaning is less common in everyday modern conversation.
A handspring with arms and legs extended, imitating the wheel of a cart.
Cartwheel is usually neutral to informal when referring to the gymnastic move; formal for the literal wheel. in register.
Cartwheel: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːt.wiːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːrt.wiːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Turn cartwheels (to show excessive delight or effort to please)”
- “As easy as turning a cartwheel.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an old CART. Its WHEEL comes off and a gymnast grabs it, spinning it around her body – performing a CARTWHEEL.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE/SUCCESS IS ACROBATICS ('She cartwheeled through the exams'). JOY IS UNCONTROLLED MOTION ('He was turning cartwheels with joy').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'cartwheel' LEAST likely to be used?