godan verb (-tsu)
Describes a flipping or tumbling motion, often in a dramatic or forceful context. The verb is a godan verb ending in 'tsu'.
彼はもんどり打って倒れた。
He fell, turning a somersault.
猫がもんどり打って遊んでいる。
The cat is playing, turning somersaults.
Standard mixed kanji-kana spelling.
Rare ateji spelling; not commonly used.
でんぐり返し is a more common and casual word for a forward roll or somersault, often used by children. もんどり打つ is less frequent and can imply a more forceful or accidental tumbling motion.
The origin is uncertain. もんどり may be related to もんど (a gate) or a mimetic word for tumbling. The kanji 翻筋斗 are ateji.