pirouette

[ pir-oo-et ]

noun

1. a whirling about on one foot or on the points of the toes, as in ballet dancing.
2. Dressage. a complete turn in which the horse uses its hind legs as a pivot.

verb (used without object)

, pir·ou·et·ted, pir·ou·et·ting.

1. to perform a pirouette; whirl, as on the toes.

pirouette

/ ˌpɪrʊˈɛt /

noun

1. a body spin, esp in dancing, on the toes or the ball of the foot

verb

1. intr to perform a pirouette

Word History and Origins

Origin of pirouette¹

1700–10; < French: a whirl, top, feminine of Middle French pirouet, equivalent to pirou- (cognate with Italian pirolo, diminutive of piro peg) + -et -et

Word History and Origins

Origin of pirouette¹

C18: from French, from Old French pirouet spinning top; related to Italian pirolo little peg

Example Sentences

Then there’s the dance itself, an exceptionally choreographed combination of menacing and unsettling contortions with elegantly executed gymnastics, pirouettes, and technique.

From The Daily Beast

A tutu clad Swift refuses to pirouette with her fellow ballerinas, preferring to pelvic thrust like a rebel instead.

From The Daily Beast

And the candidates may quickly pirouette from their newfound stance.

From The Daily Beast

Jessie suddenly hopped down from the chair arm and began a pirouette about the room, clapping her hands as she danced.

From Project Gutenberg

Quelus drew back in a rage, and Bussy, making a pirouette, went out of the gallery.

From Project Gutenberg

So saying, he made a pirouette on his heel, and put his attendants in motion to place dinner on the table.

From Project Gutenberg

My pony, however, began to pirouette round in circles, and before I could get him in hand the lioness bounded away.

From Project Gutenberg

With that she made a pirouette, and in three bounds was out of the room.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• reel
• revolve
• rotate
• spiral
• swim
• turn
• twirl
• twist
• whirl