# spin

/ˈspɪn/ (US) · /spˈɪn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/spin
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to rotate

verb · CEFR A2

to turn around and around very quickly.

For teachers: to rotate or cause to rotate rapidly around an axis.

- The ice skater started to spin faster and faster until she was just a blur.
- The turbine began to spin at several thousand revolutions per minute, generating enough power for the entire facility.

### 2. to make yarn

verb · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: to draw out and twist fibers into yarn or thread.

- In the old days, people used a wooden wheel to spin wool into yarn.
- The artisan demonstrated how to spin raw silk into delicate threads using traditional methods passed down through generations.

### 3. to bias information

verb · CEFR C1 · Informal

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

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

- The company tried to spin the bad news as a chance for a fresh start.
- Political consultants worked through the night to spin the candidate's controversial remarks before the morning papers were printed.

Teaching tip: Often used in the context of 'spin doctors' in politics or public relations.

### 4. turning motion

noun · CEFR A2

a fast, circular movement.

For teachers: a rapid revolving or rotating motion.

- The dancer finished her performance with a graceful spin.
- The physicist measured the electron's spin to determine its magnetic properties within the experimental field.

### 5. a short trip

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

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

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

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

### 6. biased interpretation

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

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

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

- The reporter put a positive spin on the team's loss by focusing on their hard work.
- The government's spin on the economic data failed to convince the public that prices were actually falling.

### 7. a new version

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: a novel or creative variation of an existing concept or item.

- The chef created a modern spin on the traditional apple pie.
- The director's latest film offers a dark, psychological spin on the classic fairy tale.

### 8. aircraft stall

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

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

- The pilot managed to recover the plane from a dangerous spin just in time.
- During the aerobatic display, the pilot intentionally entered a flat spin to demonstrate the aircraft's recovery capabilities.

## Examples

- The politician's team put a positive spin on the election results.
- After the company lost millions, the PR department tried to put a creative spin on the financial report.
- The administration's attempt to put a favorable spin on the legislative defeat was largely undermined by leaked documents that revealed the internal chaos of the negotiation process.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.