corkscrew

American  

[kawrk-skroo] / ˈkɔrkˌskru /

noun

1. an instrument typically consisting of a metal spiral with a sharp point at one end and a transverse handle at the other, used for drawing corks from bottles.

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adjective

1. resembling a corkscrew; helical; spiral.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to move in a spiral or zigzag course.

corkscrew British  

/ ˈkɔːkˌskruː /

noun

1. a device for drawing corks from bottles, typically consisting of a pointed metal spiral attached to a handle or screw mechanism

2. slang boxing a blow that ends with a twist of the fist, esp one intended to cut the opponent

3. (modifier) resembling a corkscrew in shape

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verb

1. to move or cause to move in a spiral or zigzag course

Etymology

Origin of corkscrew

First recorded in 1805–15; cork + screw

Example Sentences

She is a fashionable woman, with corkscrew curls coming down in front of her ears.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

A cork is when a spin is combined with a flip, resulting in an 'off-axis' direction of travel resembling a corkscrew.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

Equal parts object of design and functionality, this accordion-style corkscrew wine opener is made of nickel-plated steel and was first invented in France in the 1920s.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 27, 2024

Many microorganisms also spin and corkscrew through water, but the mechanisms behind the salps' motion are different.

From Science Daily • May 15, 2024

Hair textures range from loose curls to needle-straight to corkscrew curls to waves to zigzag coils, and the styles showcase each new hair-tower trend.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton

Related Words

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• flood
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• movement
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