WordGarden.iopinwheel
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈɪnwiːl/
US
- /pˈɪnwiːl/
Meanings
Noun
a small toy or decoration with vanes that spin around a center in the wind
a firework fixed in place that spins and sprays sparks when lit
a radial pattern or object shaped like a spinning pinwheel
Verb
to spin or tumble rapidly around like a pinwheel
Beyond the definition
A pinwheel is the small spinning toy you often see on a stick on windy days. It usually has light paper or plastic blades, and even a gentle breeze can make it turn. It brings to mind parks, gardens, and simple childhood fun.
The word can also describe something shaped like that spinning toy. A design, a flower-like form, or a rolled snack with a swirl inside may all be called a pinwheel. So the idea is usually the same: something that turns, spreads out from the center, or forms a bright swirl.
Imagine a warm breeze moving across a yard and a child holding up a bright little toy that suddenly starts to spin. That is the most familiar meaning of "pinwheel": a light toy with several blades fixed around a center and attached to a stick. When air catches the blades, it turns smoothly, and that simple motion is part of its charm.
From there, the word naturally grows into other meanings. "Pinwheel" can describe anything that looks like that same spinning shape or swirl. A pattern may spread out from the center like turning blades. In food, a pinwheel sandwich or pinwheel pastry is rolled into a spiral and sliced, so each piece shows a neat circular design. In other contexts, the word may be used for things that seem to whirl, spiral, or open outward in a similar way.
So the heart of the word stays steady across its uses. Sometimes it names a toy moved by the wind. Sometimes it names a shape or arrangement that reminds people of that toy. In every case, "pinwheel" suggests turning, radiating movement, or a tidy spiral that catches the eye.
Examples
- 1
Toy
The child blew on the pinwheel and watched it spin.
- 2
Party decorations
We stuck paper pinwheels along the garden path for the party.
- 3
Quilt pattern
The quilt was sewn in a blue-and-white pinwheel pattern.
- Phrasepinwheel pattern
a pattern with shapes arranged like spinning blades
- 4
Cookies
The bakery sells chocolate-and-vanilla pinwheel cookies.
- Phrasepinwheel cookies
cookies with a spiral pattern
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Loss of balance
He slipped on the ice, his arms pinwheeling as he tried to stay upright.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- pinwheelnoun
Forms
- pinwheelspluralnoun