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

Derived Forms

• ˈtwirler, noun

Other Words From

• un·twirled adjective
• un·twirling adjective

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

A new ending to “Popular” allows Grande to light up the screen, twirling and kicking to the finish line of one of the musical’s most adored cuts.

From Salon

Even though most of the contestants didn't quite look like Harry, "the girls were screaming for each man as they got up to twirl, so they were doing something right".

From BBC

As we ascend up the lift hill, we do so with twirling, bright lights, which feature just a dash of twilight hues.

From Los Angeles Times

To see young fans twirling imaginary moustaches as he walked off the field showed just what a character he is.

From BBC

Marcel makes her directorial debut with “The Last Dance,” which announces itself with that title as Venom’s potential last twirl on the floor.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• gyrate
• pivot
• rotate
• spin
• whirl