Twirl: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when describing something or someone turning lightly and gracefully, often in a playful or elegant manner.

• The ballerina twirled across the stage
• She twirled her hair around her finger

Use when describing something turning quickly around a central point, often with a sense of speed or excitement.

• The top spun rapidly on the table
• She spun around in surprise when she heard her name

Use when describing something or someone moving rapidly in circles, often with a sense of chaos or intensity. Can have a slightly more dramatic or overwhelming connotation.

• The leaves whirled in the wind
• His thoughts whirled as he tried to focus on the exam

Use when describing something turning around a central point or axis, often in a mechanical or systematic manner.

• The Earth rotates on its axis
• Rotate the knob to adjust the volume

To spin or rotate something rapidly or lightly, often used in a playful or graceful manner.

• She twirled her baton effortlessly during the parade.
• The little girl twirled in her new dress, giggling with joy.

To shape into curves or ringlets, typically used for hair or other soft elements.

• She used the curling iron to curl her hair.
• The cat curled up on the windowsill, purring softly.

To arrange something in loops or spirals, commonly used when talking about ropes, wires, or snakes.

• The rope was neatly coiled up by the dock worker.
• The snake coiled itself around the branch of a tree.

To turn or bend something into a different shape, often used when force is applied.

• He had to twist the cap off the bottle.
• She twisted her ankle while jogging, causing her to limp.