twirl

[twurl]

verb (used with object)

to cause to rotate rapidly; spin; revolve; whirl.
to twiddle: to twirl my thumbs.
to wind idly, as about something.

verb (used without object)

to rotate rapidly; whirl.
to turn quickly so as to face or point in another direction.

noun

an act or instance of twirling; spin; whirl.
something convoluted or having a spiral shape; coil; curl; convolution.

Origin of twirl

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

Related formsun·twirled, adjectiveun·twirl·ing, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for twirling

whirl, rotate, spin, gyrate, pivot, wheel, gyre, twist, turn, revolve, wind, pirouette, whirligig, purl

Examples from the Web for twirling

Contemporary Examples of twirling

With her cascade of red, twirling hair and pale, fine-boned face.
Murdoch on the Rocks: How a Lone Reporter Revealed the Mogul's Tabloid Terror Machine
Clive Irving
August 25, 2014
The acrobat was twirling during her performance, suspended by a chiffon scarf.
Thrills and Too Many Spills: The Dangers of the Circus
Marina Watts
May 5, 2014
The technology that keeps her twirling and dipping is nothing short of incredible.
How Paralympian Amy Purdy Dances Like a Star
Rose Eveleth
April 30, 2014
“Hasidic Jews…” Ashlee begins, twirling her fingers next to her temples.
Is Bravo’s Jewish Princesses Long Island the Most Offensive TV Show Ever?
Andrew Romano
July 22, 2013
Perhaps because skinning a squirrel is just not as sexy as twirling in a Rodarte-made tutu.
Overacting Anonymous: The Christian Bale and Natalie Portman Edition
Tricia Romano
February 20, 2011

Historical Examples of twirling

"That's a coincidence," observed the stranger, twirling his pale mustache.
The Cruise of the Dry Dock
T. S. Stribling
The latter was twirling his spoon again as though reassured.
Nana, The Miller's Daughter, Captain Burle, Death of Olivier Becaille
Emile Zola
He lays down the empty pipe he has been twirling in his fingers, and obeys her.
Despair's Last Journey
David Christie Murray
He was standing, twirling his ancient headpiece, awaiting the word to start.
David Lannarck, Midget
George S. Harney
A twirling movement in her head prevented her from standing up.
Mary, Mary
James Stephens

British Dictionary definitions for twirling

twirl

verb

to move or cause to move around rapidly and repeatedly in a circle
(tr) to twist, wind, or twiddle, often idlyshe twirled her hair around her finger
(intr; often foll by around or about) to turn suddenly to face another wayshe twirled around angrily to face him

noun

an act of rotating or being rotated; whirl or twist
something wound around or twirled; coil
a written flourish or squiggle

Derived Formstwirler, noun

Word Origin for twirl

C16: perhaps a blend of twist + whirl

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for twirling

twirl

1590s (n. and v.), of uncertain origin, possibly connected with Old English þwirl "a stirrer." Or else a blend of twist and whirl. Related: Twirled; twirling.