pinwheel

Definition of pinwheelnext
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 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 Observations of pinwheeling galaxies suggested that scaffolds of invisible matter held their stars together, while a repulsive form of energy drove galaxies apart. Quanta Magazine, 28 Jan. 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
  • Guests can spend the day at one of three oceanfront pools, unwind on the hotel’s private stretch of beach, or join the rotating lineup of activities, from live music and fitness classes to astrology nights, so there’s always something happening.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 25 July 2026
  • Part of that strategy involves rotating certain players between Triple A and the majors with the understanding that their roles will be limited.
    Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • The umbrella Biennale organization oversees not just the Venice Film Festival but revolving exhibitions on art, architecture, dance, music and theatre.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2026
  • Law & Order is known for its revolving cast, with changes between seasons an annual occurrence.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • Rather than a concert, Benton envisioned the evening as a community dance party featuring four veteran Kansas City DJs spinning classic funk, R&B and early hip-hop.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026
  • Hurricanes are predicted to grow stronger and spin up faster, too, having a more damaging effect.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • Contestants from around the world displayed their skills when the dance competition show first twirled onto screens on July 20, 2005, showing off their skills in wide-ranging genres, including contemporary, hip-hop, jazz and ballroom.
    Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026
  • Before putting on the new colorway from her Syrn Playful collection, Sweeney showed off the inside of her trailer and twirled in place, revealing the revealing back of her white matching thong.
    Lara Walsh, InStyle, 18 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pinwheel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pinwheel. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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