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)

pirouetted, pirouetting 

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

VAR disallowed the goal because they've said it's a careless challenge - but it's not a challenge, it's a pirouette in the middle of the pitch.

From BBC

One had to perform a double leap and pirouette to avoid the leaders.

From Los Angeles Times

A flick, followed by a pirouette and pass into Adams was another highlight.

From BBC

They have pensions, they have healthcare; in America, they’re doing pirouettes on TikTok to try and raise money for their toe shoes.

From Los Angeles Times

Watching Zsa-zsa do his verbal pirouettes, I thought fondly of a former boyfriend, an indie film producer, who helped me buy a new car and talked the price down $3,000.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• angle 
• change 
• corner 
• curve 
• departure 
• direction 
• reversal 
• round 
• shift 
• spin 
• spiral 
• swing 
• trend 
• twist 
• wind