as in rotating
to move in circles around an axis or center
the ballerina pirouetted across the stage
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Recent Examples of pirouetting
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
Fiction became reality as Copeland took to the stage on Sunday — for the first time since retiring from the American Ballet Theatre in October 2025 — pirouetting in a fiery, feathery ensemble onto center stage during the segment’s closing notes.
—Arushi Jacob, Variety, 17 Mar. 2026
They are hunted by Devora, a reclusive innkeeper and former dancer played by Uma Thurman, who is determined to make the girls regret ever pirouetting into her life.
—Jef Rouner, San Francisco Chronicle, 20 Feb. 2026
During the pandemic, San Diego Ballet dancers were filmed pirouetting on the rooftop of The San Diego Museum of Art, surrounded by bird’s-eye views of Balboa Park.
—Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025
Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026
Fiction became reality as Copeland took to the stage on Sunday — for the first time since retiring from the American Ballet Theatre in October 2025 — pirouetting in a fiery, feathery ensemble onto center stage during the segment’s closing notes.
—Arushi Jacob, Variety, 17 Mar. 2026
They are hunted by Devora, a reclusive innkeeper and former dancer played by Uma Thurman, who is determined to make the girls regret ever pirouetting into her life.
—Jef Rouner, San Francisco Chronicle, 20 Feb. 2026
During the pandemic, San Diego Ballet dancers were filmed pirouetting on the rooftop of The San Diego Museum of Art, surrounded by bird’s-eye views of Balboa Park.
—Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pirouetting
Verb
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Best Nightlife L’Antiquario One of just a handful of bars in Italy on the World’s 50 Best Bars list, this elegant drinking den serves creative cocktails, including a Negroni flight served on a rotating carousel.—
Laura Itzkowitz,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Apr. 2026
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But as soon as one flagellar motor reverses direction and starts rotating clockwise, the bundle falls apart; the reverse-twirling filament unravels the braid and puts the cell’s flagellar motors at cross-purposes, kicking the cell around.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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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
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But now, instead of playing six notes, create this similar kind of a revolving pattern.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In New York City over the weekend, police launched an investigation into a massive street takeover in Queens that drew more than 100 vehicles in the early morning hours, with drivers spinning in circles and crowds flooding the intersection.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
22 Apr. 2026
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In a first look at Kylie Minogue in her intimate Netflix documentary, the Australian pop icon certainly isn’t spinning around.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But as soon as one flagellar motor reverses direction and starts rotating clockwise, the bundle falls apart; the reverse-twirling filament unravels the braid and puts the cell’s flagellar motors at cross-purposes, kicking the cell around.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
20 Apr. 2026
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By the time Adell delivered his two-run double in the fourth inning, one that inspired a twirling fist pump, the Angels were well on their way to an 8-0 victory on Friday night while ending the San Diego Padres’ eight-game winning streak.—
Doug Padilla,
Oc Register,
18 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pirouetting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pirouetting. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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