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REFERENCE

spin

v. · n.
US //ˈspɪn// UK //spˈɪn// spin
Irregular verb past spun past participle spun
  1. 1 to rotate (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to turn around and around very quickly.

    to rotate or cause to rotate rapidly around an axis.

    Example

    The ice skater started to spin faster and faster until she was just a blur.

    Example

    The turbine began to spin at several thousand revolutions per minute, generating enough power for the entire facility.
    • stagnate
  2. 2 to make yarn (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to twist fibers like wool or cotton together to make thread.

    to draw out and twist fibers into yarn or thread.

    Example

    In the old days, people used a wooden wheel to spin wool into yarn.

    Example

    The artisan demonstrated how to spin raw silk into delicate threads using traditional methods passed down through generations.
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  1. 3 to bias information (v.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    to describe a situation in a way that makes it sound better than it really is.

    to present or interpret information with a particular bias to influence public opinion.

    Example

    The company tried to spin the bad news as a chance for a fresh start.

    Example

    Political consultants worked through the night to spin the candidate's controversial remarks before the morning papers were printed.

    Teacher's tip

    Often used in the context of 'spin doctors' in politics or public relations.
  2. 4 turning motion (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a fast, circular movement.

    a rapid revolving or rotating motion.

    Example

    The dancer finished her performance with a graceful spin.

    Example

    The physicist measured the electron's spin to determine its magnetic properties within the experimental field.
  3. 5 a short trip (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    a short, quick journey in a car or on a bike for fun.

    a brief excursion in a vehicle, typically for pleasure rather than utility.

    Example

    It is a beautiful day, so let's go for a spin in your new car.

    Example

    After restoring the vintage motorcycle, he took it for a quick spin around the countryside to test the engine.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the phrase 'go for a spin'.
  4. 6 biased interpretation (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    a way of telling a story that influences what people think.

    a particular bias or slant placed on information to manipulate its perception.

    Example

    The reporter put a positive spin on the team's loss by focusing on their hard work.

    Example

    The government's spin on the economic data failed to convince the public that prices were actually falling.
  5. 7 a new version (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a new or different way of doing something that already exists.

    a novel or creative variation of an existing concept or item.

    Example

    The chef created a modern spin on the traditional apple pie.

    Example

    The director's latest film offers a dark, psychological spin on the classic fairy tale.
  6. 8 aircraft stall (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    a dangerous situation where a plane falls while turning in circles.

    a flight condition involving a stall resulting in a simultaneous roll, pitch, and yaw.

    Example

    The pilot managed to recover the plane from a dangerous spin just in time.

    Example

    During the aerobatic display, the pilot intentionally entered a flat spin to demonstrate the aircraft's recovery capabilities.

Etymology 1

From Middle English spinnen, from Old English spinnan, from Proto-Germanic spinnaną, from Proto-Indo-European (s)penh₁-. Cognates Cognate with Dutch, German spinnen (“to spin”), Luxembourgish spannen (“to spin”), Yiddish שפּינען (shpinen, “spin”), Danish spinde (“to spin”), Faroese, Icelandic and Swedish spinna (“to spin”), Norwegian Bokmål, Norwegian Nynorsk spinne (“to spin”), Gothic 𐍃𐍀𐌹𐌽𐌽𐌰𐌽 (spinnan, “to spin”).

Etymology 2

Clipping of special interest.

Word family
Idioms7 entries

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