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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Paiza residents, however, would do well to make full use of the Paiza Sky Residence, where a rotating cast of sumptuous buffets, indulgent high tea,s and free-flowing cocktails await.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
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Only one ambulance crew serves the whole city, and doctors and other health workers rotate in from Russian regions like Perm to work at its hospital, said a 67-year-old former engineer who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution.—
Yuras Karmanau,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Here, there is also a sushi bar, a patisserie worthy of a Parisian sojourn, a cafe, and a buffet (and a la carte) with a revolving variety of regional and international options.—
Rachel Morris,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 Feb. 2026
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His latest work, which is set, and shot, in a remote Turkish mountain village, revolves on a land dispute rooted in the conflict over rights for Turkey’s Kurdish minority.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Taken together, these features strongly suggest the object was part of a bow drill — a device that spins a shaft using a bow and string to create rapid back-and-forth rotation.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
13 Feb. 2026
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The elusive, incredibly difficult jump involves launching forward, spinning 4 1/2 times in the air, and landing backwards.—
Alex Connor,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Sun Ra twirled, his arms and wrists as fluid as a showgirl’s.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
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Venus, planet of connection, is twirling into your sociable 11th house, enhancing group ties and reminding your independent heart to welcome supportive networks.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pinwheel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pinwheel. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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