spinner

American  

[spin-er] / ˈspɪn ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that spins.

2. Angling. a lure, as a spoon bait, that revolves in the water in trolling and casting.

3. Also called spinner play.  Football. a play in which the player carrying the ball twirls about, to deceive the other team as to where the player intends to hit the line.

4. Aeronautics. a streamlined fairing over a propeller hub.

5. British Informal. nightjar.

6. Slang. a disc jockey.

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spinner British  

/ ˈspɪnə /

noun

1. a person or thing that spins

2. informal a spin doctor

3. cricket

   1. a ball that is bowled with a spinning motion

   2. a bowler who specializes in bowling such balls

4. a streamlined fairing that fits over and revolves with the hub of an aircraft propeller

5. a fishing lure with a fin or wing that revolves when drawn through the water

6. an angler's name for the mature adult form (imago) of various flies, especially the mayflies Compare dun 2

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Other Word Forms

• underspinner
  noun

Etymology

Origin of spinner

First recorded in 1175–1225, spinner is from the Middle English word spinnere. See spin, -er ¹

Example Sentences

Root and Bethell are reasonable options if England need a spinner to hold an end.

From BBC • May 11, 2026

She bowled accurately, ensuring England did not obviously miss Sophie Ecclestone - the world's number one spinner who sat out the game with a thigh niggle.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

Modern versions of retro staples like a portable cassette player and a vinyl display cabinet hit the perfect note for a passionate spinner.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

Uncapped left-arm spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman has been included in England's squad for the Women's T20 World Cup this summer.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

Everyone else asleep, and he amuses himself playing with his spinner.

From "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes

Related Words

• gyroscope