twists; twisted; twisting
1
a
: to bend or turn (something) in order to change its shape
The toy can be twisted into different shapes.
She twisted balloons into the shapes of different animals.
b
: to bend or turn (something) into a shape or position that is not normal or natural
The antenna was twisted out of shape.
The car was a heap of twisted metal after the accident.
She twisted [=contorted] her face as if she was about to cry.
He twists his lip into an odd expression when he's thinking.
2
: to turn (something) in a circular motion with your hand
twist the dials on the radio
The bottle cap twists off.
3
: to pull off or break (something) by turning it
—often + off
He twisted a small branch off the tree.
4
: to turn a part of your body around : to change your position
Everyone in the audience twisted in their seats to see what made the noise.
He twisted around to face me.
5
: to hurt (your ankle, knee, wrist, etc.) by turning it too far
I twisted my ankle playing softball.
6
: to combine several threads or wires by wrapping them around one another
Twist the wire ends together to make an electrical connection.
Rope is made by twisting many threads together.
7
: to wrap or wind (something) around something
I like the way she twists [=coils, wraps] that scarf around her neck.
Ivy twisted [=wound] around the columns of the porch.
8
: to change the meaning of (something, such as a word) unfairly
He was accused of twisting [=distorting] the facts.
He twisted my words [=he repeated what I said in a way that had a different meaning] and made it seem like I was angry.
9
: to curve or change direction suddenly
Be careful, the road twists up ahead.
a twisting path
plural twists
1
: an act of turning or twisting
a simple twist of the wrist
The jar should open with a twist of the lid.
2
: a turn, curve, or bend in a road, river, etc.
The road has some nasty twists.
The coastal road had many twists and turns.
3
a
: an unexpected or strange occurrence
The plot has many twists. [=surprises]
It was a film noir with some clever twists.
In an unusual twist, the police arrested one of their own.
They were brought together by a strange twist of fate.
b
: something new created by changing something slightly
It's a new twist [=variation] on an old recipe.
4
: a small piece of lemon or lime peel used to flavor a drink
a diet cola with a twist of lemon
5
: a lively dance from the 1960s in which dancers twist their bodies quickly from side to side
We did the twist.
Cite this Entry
“Twist.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/twist. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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