WordGarden.iopirouette
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /pˌɪraʊˈɛt/
US
- /ˌpɪruˈɛ/
Meanings
Noun
a spinning turn, especially in ballet or dance
Verb
to spin or turn like a dancer, especially on one foot
Beyond the definition
A pirouette (pronounced peer-oo-wet) is a graceful spinning turn on one leg, most often seen in ballet. Picture a dancer turning smoothly in place, holding balance and control. That is a pirouette. It takes practice to do it well, and dancers often train for years to make it look easy.
The word is mostly used for dance, but it can also be used in a figurative way. You might say someone pirouetted through a hard conversation or a tricky situation, meaning they handled it with quick, smooth moves. The word comes from the French verb pirouetter, meaning "to spin."
A pirouette is a complete turn executed on one leg, originating from ballet technique but now recognized as a beautiful and challenging movement in various dance styles. It's more than just spinning; it is a controlled rotation that requires immense strength, balance, coordination, and precise body alignment. Imagine a dancer lifting one leg into a specific position (often en dehors, meaning turned outward), then using their core muscles to propel themselves around on the supporting leg while maintaining a graceful posture.
The execution of a pirouette involves several key elements: preparation (the plié, or bending of the knees), the turn itself, and the finish—all done with fluidity and artistry. Dancers "spot"—fix their gaze on a single point in front of them as they turn—to help maintain balance and prevent dizziness. Different variations exist, including pirouettes performed en dehors, en dedans (turning inward), multiple rotations (double pirouette, triple pirouette, etc.), and those performed with different arm positions.
Beyond the dance studio, you might use "pirouette" metaphorically to describe someone deftly maneuvering through a complex or difficult situation. For example: "The lawyer pirouetted around the evidence, skillfully avoiding direct answers." It suggests an ability to turn and adapt with grace and control, even when facing significant challenges.
Whether it's a breathtaking display of athleticism on stage or a clever tactic in everyday life, pirouette evokes images of spinning, balance, and skillful maneuvering.
Examples
- 1
Dance routine
The dancer finished the routine with a clean pirouette.
- 2
Balance
She did three pirouettes in a row without losing her balance.
- 3
Playful movement
A little girl pirouetted across the kitchen in her socks.
- 4
Political shift
Reporters described the minister’s sudden change of position as a political pirouette.
- Phrasea political pirouette
a sudden public change in opinion or policy
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- do a pirouette
- perform a pirouette
- ballet pirouette
- double pirouette
Word family
Explore
- ballet
- fouetté
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- pirouettenounverb
Forms
- pirouettespluralnounverb
- pirouetting-ing formverbnoun
- pirouettedpast tenseverbnoun