pirouette 1 of 2

noun

ˌpir-ə-ˈwet How to pronounce pirouette (audio)
Definition of pirouettenext
as in rotation
a rapid turning about on an axis or central point the ballerina's perfectly executed pirouette

Synonyms & Similar Words

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pirouette

2 of 2

verb

as in to rotate
to move in circles around an axis or center the ballerina pirouetted across the stage

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 pirouette
Noun
In hours of underwater video footage from a New York aquarium, a beluga whale named Natasha stretches her neck, pirouettes, nods, and shakes her head in front of a two-way mirror. — Federica Sgorbissa, ArsTechnica, 24 May 2026 The natural state of being, as a quarterback, is to move and slide and pirouette in the pocket to avoid blows from bull-rushing men dozens of pounds heavier. — Luca Evans, Denver Post, 13 May 2026
Verb
The Chinese duo’s voices pirouette around a pulse that sounds like a car door chime as abortive crashes puncture the otherwise placid, kickless ambience. — James Gui, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2026 Within five consecutive offensive possessions, Doncic hit a pirouetting step-back three, split a double team with a behind-the-back dribble to throw a no-look lob to Rui Hachimura, spun through another trap for a second alley-oop to LeBron James and nailed the dagger three. — Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pirouette
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pirouette
  1. rotation
  2. rotate
  3. twirl
  4. revolve
  5. spin
  6. curve
  7. roll
Noun
  • Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are aging out of the cover rotation and EA needs the next face locked down.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • The Sox are trying to manage the workload for both guys, who still figure into the team’s long-term rotation plans.
    — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of rotation
Verb
  • Throughout its duration, Agbaji rotated between training stations as campers ages 8-18 ran through drills focused on skills, teamwork and leadership.
    — Alexa Stone, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026
  • For our drone, the whole thing is rotating, so there are no stationary parts.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 July 2026
Definition of rotate
Noun
  • Inside a historic church on Park Avenue, two dancers clothed in blue-and-pink brocade twirl up and down the aisles to a string-heavy soundtrack.
    — Madeline Hirsch, InStyle, 26 June 2026
  • The actress, who was styled by Karla Welch, adorned the look with a gold twirl necklace that was also part of the collection and featured on the runway paired with the same dress.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 20 May 2026
Definition of twirl
Verb
  • Charlotte’s newest revolving sushi bar is poised to open later this week.
    — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2026
  • Still, most gravitate toward the main pool, where the Delano's social scene has revolved for decades.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 July 2026
Definition of revolve
Noun
  • Despite the positive spin some try to put on the situation, the whiskey industry is in a bit of a rough patch.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 19 July 2026
  • Ivar laid out Axiom with a spin kick and climbed to the top rope.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
Definition of spin
Noun
  • Netflix’s decade-plus run of TV dominance means Wall Street and others judge it on an unforgiving curve, and when issues crop up — like this last stretch of mediocre ratings — folks are going to take notice.
    — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 16 July 2026
  • Investors will still take note of Treasury moves, but volatility should be watched at the short end of the curve (a year or two), rather than at the long end (10- and 30-year Treasuries).
    — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 16 July 2026
Definition of curve
Noun
  • Alexis Mac Allister went in hard on Dani Olmo; an uncompromising, flying challenge that left the Spaniard in a heap on the floor (after a few rolls for dramatic effect).
    — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Other states including New Mexico and West Virginia also recently won dismissals of lawsuits seeking their voter rolls as well, as states push back against federal lawsuits, according to the Associated Press.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026
Definition of roll

Browse Nearby Words

pirogues
pirouette
pirouetted
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Cite this Entry

“Pirouette.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pirouette. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pirouette

Nglish: Translation of pirouette for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pirouette

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