twirl

[twurl]

verb (used with object)

1. to cause to rotate rapidly; spin; revolve; whirl.

2. to twiddle.

   to twirl my thumbs.

3. to wind idly, as about something.

verb (used without object)

1. to rotate rapidly; whirl.

2. to turn quickly so as to face or point in another direction.

noun

1. an act or instance of twirling; spin; whirl.

2. something convoluted or having a spiral shape; coil; curl; convolution.

twirl

/ twɜːl /

verb

1. to move or cause to move around rapidly and repeatedly in a circle

2. (tr) to twist, wind, or twiddle, often idly

   she twirled her hair around her finger

3. (intr; often foll by around or about) to turn suddenly to face another way

   she twirled around angrily to face him

noun

1. an act of rotating or being rotated; whirl or twist

2. something wound around or twirled; coil

3. a written flourish or squiggle

Other Word Forms

• untwirled adjective
• untwirling adjective
• twirler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of twirl¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; tw(ist) + (wh)irl

Word History and Origins

Origin of twirl¹

C16: perhaps a blend of _twist + _whirl

Example Sentences

As she watched the models lounge, leap and twirl their pajamas in the daylight, Equihua mused that she had the feeling of being in a dream.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Diners were ushered into a grand, circular room, served by waiters dressed in "hanfu", and treated to an eight-act performance involving twirling dancers and emotive dialogue from actors.

Read more on Barron's

On her way, she passed bizarre sea creatures, paddling, twirling, pulsing.

Read more on Literature

An eight-piece band plays brass, electric guitar, bongos and timbales, filling the room with music as dancers twirl in a dizzying array.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

As the beat from Azealia Banks’ “212” thumps in the background, she bounces around her tiny New York bedroom, twirling like a chemically enhanced cool girl.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• gyrate 
• pivot 
• rotate 
• spin 
• whirl