whirligig

[ hwur-li-gig, wur- ]

noun

1. something that whirls or revolves.
2. a whirling motion or course:

   the whirligig of fashion.

3. a giddy or flighty person.
4. Dialect. a merry-go-round or carrousel.
5. a toy for whirling or spinning, as a top.

whirligig

/ ˈwɜːlɪˌɡɪɡ /

noun

1. any spinning toy, such as a top
2. See merry-go-round
   another name for merry-go-round
3. anything that whirls about, spins, or moves in a circular or giddy way

   the whirligig of social life

4. See windmill
   another name for windmill

Word History and Origins

Origin of whirligig¹

First recorded in 1400–50, whirligig is from the late Middle English word whirlegigge. See whirl, gig ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of whirligig¹

C15: whirlegigge, from whirl + gig ¹

Example Sentences

On another day, we watched older children recruit the help of younger children to lug a few logs and timbers from the edge of camp to construct a whirligig or roundabout.

From Nautilus

One flier fell at about 28 centimeters per second, less than half the speed of natural whirligigs from various plants.

From Science News

Time's whirligig has made him the hero of our puppet-shows, and he enjoys cosmopolitan celebrity under the name of Punch.

From Project Gutenberg

There were books all round the room, and one of those whirligig square book-cases.

From Project Gutenberg

It is so dark I can't tell which way she is swinging till she is coming around like a whirligig.'

From Project Gutenberg

This little bubble is held there by tiny hairs, and because whirligig has it, it can breathe while it stays under the water.

From Project Gutenberg

"Aunty Maggy's Whirligig" could be enjoyed on payment of an old pair of boots, a collection of rags, or the like.

From Project Gutenberg