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
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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
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
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On the starboard side lies a custom wine cellar, while forward are two guest cabins, one VIP, and an owner’s suite with a rotating bed that swivels to create more space in the dressing room and en suite.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
10 Apr. 2026
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The Barnes Welcome Center also houses a gallery, indoor and outdoor classrooms, office space, and a locker room for Duke Gardens' rotating crew of 250 volunteers.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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While Orbán’s campaign this year revolved mostly around foreign policy and his relations with world leaders, Magyar’s was rigidly focused on domestic issues, such as the economy and corruption.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
12 Apr. 2026
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The backdrop is a revolving spectacular set, such as cherry trees showering pink paper petals.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The plot that spins from this opening includes a series of events involving philosophy, parenting, mental health, disability, romance and international art terrorism that would take several columns worth to summarize.—
John Warner,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Apr. 2026
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Invitees will be welcomed with Martell’s French 75 while a DJ spins the hottest beats before Davido himself arrives on Sunday, April 12.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Once the snake falls to the bottom, twirl the bag and tie a knot well up on the twisted section.—
Dr. C. E. Kuschel,
Outdoor Life,
9 Apr. 2026
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This polka-dot midi skirt is full of flirty details, from its curve-hugging silhouette to its flowy hem that’s made for twirling.—
Emily Weaver,
PEOPLE,
4 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pinwheel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pinwheel. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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