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Twirling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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twirling

[ˈtwɜrlɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

dancing

To spin around on one foot while balancing in a graceful and elegant manner. It is often performed as a form of dance or entertainment.

Synonyms

rotate, spin, whirl.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
twirling

Used when describing something or someone spinning lightly and gracefully, often used in dancing or with objects like batons or ribbons.

  • The ballerina was twirling gracefully on the stage.
  • She loves twirling her ribbon in the air.
spin

Used for quick or rapid circular movements, can be applied to objects, people, or abstract concepts like stories.

  • The washing machine started to spin rapidly.
  • He loves to spin tales of adventure.
whirl

Describes very fast and often chaotic circular movements, usually creating a sense of confusion or energy.

  • The leaves were caught in a whirlwind and whirled around the garden.
  • Her mind was whirling with all the new information.
rotate

Generally used in more formal or technical contexts, such as describing mechanical movements or celestial bodies.

  • The Earth rotates on its axis every 24 hours.
  • You need to rotate the handle to open the valve.

Examples of usage

  • She was twirling around the dance floor, mesmerizing everyone with her graceful moves.
  • The ballerina twirled effortlessly, captivating the audience with her performance.
Context #2 | Noun

movement

A spinning or rotating motion, often associated with gracefulness and elegance. It can be a deliberate movement or a spontaneous action.

Synonyms

rotation, spinning, whirling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
twirling

Used to describe a playful or graceful turning motion, often in the context of dance, gymnastics, or casual movement.

  • She was twirling around in her new dress, showing it off to her friends.
  • The gymnast did a twirling move with the ribbon during her routine.
spinning

Used to describe a rapid turning motion, can be used in casual or technical contexts, sometimes implies dizziness or losing control.

  • The child was spinning in circles until he felt dizzy.
  • The figure skater executed a perfect spinning jump.
rotation

Used to describe a precise or regular circular movement, often in scientific, mechanical, or technical contexts.

  • The Earth's rotation causes day and night.
  • The rotation of the gears kept the machine running smoothly.
whirling

Used to emphasize a fast, often powerful, circular motion, can imply confusion or chaos.

  • The leaves were whirling in the autumn wind.
  • Her mind was whirling with conflicting thoughts.

Examples of usage

  • The twirling of the leaves in the wind created a mesmerizing pattern.
  • The twirling of the figure skater's dress added an extra element of beauty to her performance.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Dance

  • Ballet often features twirling, especially in pirouettes, where dancers spin on one foot.
  • Folk dances around the world include twirling, showcasing cultural expressions through movement.

Physics

  • When something twirls, it creates centripetal force, which keeps objects moving in a circular path.
  • The speed and radius of twirling can affect how dizzy someone feels, demonstrating fluid dynamics.

Psychology

  • Spinning and twirling can induce a feeling of freedom and joy, often enhancing mood during physical activities.
  • Children naturally twirl as part of play, which helps develop coordination and body awareness.

Art

  • Painters like Van Gogh used swirling brushstrokes to convey movement, resembling a twirling effect.
  • In visual arts, twirling is often depicted to symbolize energy and emotion, engaging viewers.

Sports

  • Twirling is integral in rhythmic gymnastics, where athletes perform movements with ribbons and hoops.
  • In figure skating, a twirl can be seen in spins, showcasing an athlete's skill and artistry on the ice.

Origin of 'twirling'

The word 'twirling' is derived from the Middle English word 'twirlen', which originally meant 'to spin around rapidly'. It has been used in various forms of dance and performance art for centuries, symbolizing gracefulness and elegance in motion. The act of twirling is often associated with joy, freedom, and expression, making it a popular movement in cultural and artistic contexts.

See also: twirl.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,219, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.