Turning: meaning, definitions and examples

Describes the act of changing direction or position. Often used in everyday scenarios such as road directions or physical movements.

• She made a turning at the corner
• The car was turning left at the intersection

Refers specifically to the movement around an axis or center. Commonly used in technical contexts like machinery, science, or astronomy.

• The Earth completes one rotation every 24 hours
• The rotation of the wheels was smooth and even

Suggests a contorting or winding action. Often used in situations where there is a distortion or change in shape, or in describing plot changes in stories.

• He gave the cap a quick twist to open the bottle
• The story had an unexpected twist at the end

Implies a rapid turning or whirling motion. Often used when talking about objects or situations that are moving quickly or uncontrollably.

• The dancer performed a graceful spin
• The car went into a spin on the icy road

Use when referring to changing direction or the act of making something move in a circular direction.

• She took the turning to the right at the intersection.
• The turning of the doorknob was soft but distinct.

Use in scientific or technical contexts when something turns around a central point or axis.

• The Earth rotates on its axis every 24 hours.
• You need to rotate the picture 90 degrees to the right.

Use when referring to something turning quickly around its center, often implying speed and sometimes dizziness or confusion.

• She spun the wheel to win the prize.
• The dancer could spin on one foot for minutes.

Use when referring to bending or distorting something out of its original shape, often using force.

• He twisted the wire into a loop.
• You need to twist the cap to open the bottle.