spinner
Americannoun
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a person or thing that spins.
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Angling. a lure, as a spoon bait, that revolves in the water in trolling and casting.
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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.
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Aeronautics. a streamlined fairing over a propeller hub.
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British Informal. nightjar.
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Slang. a disc jockey.
noun
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a person or thing that spins
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informal a spin doctor
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cricket
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a ball that is bowled with a spinning motion
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a bowler who specializes in bowling such balls
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a streamlined fairing that fits over and revolves with the hub of an aircraft propeller
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a fishing lure with a fin or wing that revolves when drawn through the water
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an angler's name for the mature adult form (imago) of various flies, especially the mayflies Compare dun 2
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of spinner
First recorded in 1175–1225, spinner is from the Middle English word spinnere. See spin, -er 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Jack Leach remains probably the most reliable spinner in the country, while leg-spinner Mason Crane is bowling well for Glamorgan eight years after he won his only England cap.
From BBC • May 11, 2026
In choosing their group to take on the stiff challenge of the Black Caps at Lord's, England will have to make decisions over their opening pair, spinner and pace bowlers.
From BBC • May 11, 2026
The identity of England's frontline spinner and seamers to join the fast-bowling department would also be up for discussion.
From BBC • May 7, 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
If he has his spinner and he watches it going round and round, he will be able to control himself and not make in his pants.
From "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
