pinwheel

as in to rotate
to move in circles around an axis or center the kayaker had got sucked into the whirlpool, and his kayak was pinwheeling helplessly

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of pinwheel Forecasters warned of the arrival Thursday into Friday of a second intensifying low pressure area, which will pinwheel around the first bomb cyclone in an atmospheric interaction known as the Fujiwara Effect. Andrew Freedman, Axios, 18 Nov. 2024 Some of the outer rain bands and a few storms from Beta will pinwheel into the area from the east and southeast. Dallas News, 20 Sep. 2020 The man in the white vest pinwheeled his arms, ushering volunteers through the pick-up line outside the Salvation Army Community Center on Fourth Street with military precision. Lizzie Johnson, SFChronicle.com, 25 Dec. 2019 According to the space agency, IC 2051 is a spiral galaxy, noticeable in its whirling, pinwheeling arms and a bar of stars cutting through its center. Fox News, 23 Dec. 2019 See All Example Sentences for pinwheel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pinwheel
Verb
  • What to expect Foo Bar will have a full-service bar featuring a rotating selection of local beers, plus and assortment of wines and cocktails, according to its website.
    Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 31 Oct. 2025
  • For a gastronomic gem, Riverhorse on Main features a rotating menu that often showcases fresh fish dishes and inventive takes on wild game, accompanied by live music.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • While some pay off the balance each month, about 60% of credit card users have revolving debt, according to the New York Fed.
    Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Creating a revolving load fund for affordable housing projects.
    Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Under intense pressure from all angles, Gonzalez spun with the ball, taking out three men, and found Doku.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
  • On nights when Nova’s feeling sleepy, Poppy happily entertains herself with her mountain of toys — or by spinning in happy circles to reclaim that elusive tail.
    Evan Moore November 3, Charlotte Observer, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The loudest section left belonged to a group of shirtless men twirling their shirts overhead as Colorado trailed 52-14.
    Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
  • After spinning, flipping and twirling their hearts out, the pair received a score of 34 from the judges.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pinwheel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pinwheel. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

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