spinner: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Primarily technical/sports, but with informal uses.
Quick answer
What does “spinner” mean?
A person or machine that spins something, especially fibre into thread.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person or machine that spins something, especially fibre into thread.
One who spins or twists a narrative; a cricket player who bowls with a spinning motion; a type of fishing lure; a bicycle accessory that spins on the wheel axis; a device for selecting a random option; someone who engages in spinning as a form of exercise.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
'Spinner' is more frequent in British English due to cricket's prominence. In American English, fishing lure and bicycle accessory senses are more common. The political/media sense ('spin doctor') originates in US/British politics but is international.
Connotations
In cricket, it implies skill and guile. As a 'spinner' of tales, it can be slightly negative, implying deception. In fitness, it is neutral (spin class).
Frequency
Higher in UK media due to cricket coverage. In US, primarily found in fishing, cycling, and political contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “spinner” in a Sentence
spinner of + noun (spinner of yarns/tales)spinner + prepositional phrase (spinner for the national team)adjective + spinner (slow left-arm spinner)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in 'spin doctor' context (managing public perception).
Academic
Historical/technical term in textile studies.
Everyday
Most common in sports (cricket) or hobbies (fishing, cycling).
Technical
Precise term in cricket, textile manufacturing, and fishing tackle.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spinner”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spinner”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spinner”
- Using 'spinner' to mean a person who is dizzy (incorrect). Confusing 'spinner' (player) with 'spin' (the action).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It's relatively common but context-specific. You'll hear it frequently in cricket-playing nations and in contexts like fishing or cycling.
A 'spinner' is a general term for one who spins (thread, tales, cricket balls). A 'spin doctor' is a specific, informal term for a political/media advisor who manipulates public perception.
No, 'spinner' is only a noun. The verb form is 'to spin'.
No, it was a brief, intense trend. The sporting and technical meanings remain more established and frequent in adult discourse.
A person or machine that spins something, especially fibre into thread.
Spinner is usually primarily technical/sports, but with informal uses. in register.
Spinner: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspɪnə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspɪnər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A good spinner can turn the match.”
- “He's more than just a spinner of yarns.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SPINNER in a cricket match: the ball SPINS through the air and lands near the wickets.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPINNING (creating thread) -> CREATING/CONTROLLING A NARRATIVE (spinning a tale). SPINNING (rotation) -> CONFUSION/DECEPTION (spinning a web of lies).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'spinner' most likely refer to a person who creates narratives?