spinning jenny

noun

1. an early spinning machine having more than one spindle, enabling a person to spin a number of yarns simultaneously.

spinning jenny

noun

1. an early type of spinning frame with several spindles, invented by James Hargreaves in 1764

Word History and Origins

Origin of spinning jenny¹

First recorded in 1775–85

Word History and Origins

Origin of spinning jenny¹

C18: see jenny ; the reason for the adoption of the woman's name is unclear

Example Sentences

The spinning jenny replaced weavers, buttons displaced elevator operators, and the Internet drove travel agencies out of business.

From Time

To Hargreaves, inventing the spinning-jenny, a mob and a flight from Lancashire, a wrecked machine and a sacked house!

From Project Gutenberg

The spinning jenny came into use a little after 1750, and the power loom was invented near the close of the century.

From Project Gutenberg

In that year James Hargreaves completed his invention of the spinning-jenny, which he patented in 1770.

From Project Gutenberg

First there must be a spinning-jenny to go by steam, to the wheel of which there must be a hand-organ.

From Project Gutenberg

The first to be brought to actual completion was Hargreaves' spinning-jenny, invented in 1764.

From Project Gutenberg