# twirl

/ˈtwɝɫ/ (US) · /twˈɜːl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/twirl
Updated: 2026-10-17

## Definition

to spin around quickly or to turn something around in circles. You might do this with your body while dancing or with a pen in your hand.

For teachers: to rotate or cause to rotate rapidly and repeatedly around an axis. Often describes graceful or playful movement, such as in dance or when manipulating a small object with the fingers.

## Examples

- She likes to twirl around in her new dress.
- The dancer began to twirl across the stage as the music reached its fastest point.
- He sat at his desk and continued to twirl his pen between his fingers while he contemplated the difficult problem before him.

## Synonyms

spin, whirl, turn, twiddle

## Usage notes

- The verb can be used both transitively (twirl something) and intransitively (the dancer twirls).

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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.