Spinning

/ˈspɪn.ɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

noun
The act or process of rotating quickly.
The spinning of the earth on its axis is what gives us day and night.
A type of exercise activity that involves stationary cycling, often in a group setting led by an instructor.
She attends a spinning class every Saturday to stay fit.
verb
The action of turning or rotating rapidly.
The child was spinning in circles on the playground, laughing joyfully.
To form yarn or thread by twisting fibers together.
She spent the afternoon spinning wool into yarn for her knitting project.
To create a web or thread-like structure, as a spider does.
The spider was spinning a delicate web in the corner of the room.

Etymology

Middle English 'spinnen', from Old English 'spinnen', of Germanic origin.

Common Phrases and Expressions

spinning out of control
to become chaotic or unmanageable.
spinning the wheels
to go in circles without making progress.
spinning a yarn
to tell a story, often a long or elaborate one.

Related Words

spin
To rotate rapidly; to turn around.
spinner
A device that spins; a person who spins thread.
spinster
An unmarried woman, historically referring to a woman who spins.

Slang Meanings

Feeling dizzy or overwhelmed, often from too much activity or excitement.
After the news hit, my head started spinning.
To fabricate or exaggerate a story.
He was just spinning some story to make himself look good.