Search Dictionary
Definition of trapeze

trapeze

/træˈpiːz/
tra · peze
Plural:trapezes
JUMP TO:

trapeze Lexical Profile

trapeze Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A short horizontal bar suspended by two parallel ropes from a high support, used by acrobats and gymnasts for swinging and aerial performances.

Example

"The daring acrobat released her grip and soared gracefully through the air, catching the swinging trapeze just in time."

2

A wire harness suspended from the mast of a sailing dinghy, allowing a crew member to lean far out over the water to balance the boat against the wind.

Example

"In competitive dinghy sailing, the crew member uses a trapeze to hike out over the waves and prevent the boat from capsizing."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for trapeze

• Rhymes for trapeze

• Nearby Words

transwoman
trap
trapdoor
trapeze
trapezist
trapezium
trapezoid

Word Origin & Etymology

Mid 19th century: from French 'trapèze', derived from late Latin 'trapezium', named because of the trapezoidal shape formed by the crossbar, the ropes, and the support.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Trapeze. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/trapeze
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.