spinning: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral
Quick answer
What does “spinning” mean?
The action or process of rotating rapidly around an axis.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action or process of rotating rapidly around an axis; the production of yarn or thread from fibres.
Any activity involving rapid rotation or creation through continuous, often repetitive, motion; also refers to specific exercise (indoor cycling) and a form of media manipulation (spin).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and usage are identical. The trademark 'Spinning' for indoor cycling is used globally.
Connotations
In political/media contexts ('spin doctor'), it carries the same negative connotation of manipulation in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common. The craft/industrial sense might be slightly more archaic in everyday use in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “spinning” in a Sentence
[Subject] + be + spinning + ([Adverb])[Subject] + go + spinningthe spinning of + [Noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spinning” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The dancer was spinning perfectly on the spot.
- He spent the afternoon spinning a tale about his adventures.
American English
- The politician kept spinning the news to his advantage.
- My hard drive is spinning loudly.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as a standalone adverb.
American English
- Not commonly used as a standalone adverb.
adjective
British English
- She felt a spinning sensation and had to sit down.
- The old spinning wheel was an antique.
American English
- He joined a spinning class at the gym. (trademark generic use)
- Avoid the spinning ride if you're prone to nausea.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the presentation of information in a favourable light ('corporate spinning').
Academic
Used in physics (angular momentum), textiles history, and media studies.
Everyday
Most common for describing dizziness, indoor cycling, or children's toys.
Technical
In textiles: the industrial process; in computing: a 'spinning' hard drive or loading icon.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spinning”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spinning”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spinning”
- Using 'spinning' for sewing or knitting. "She spins her own wool" is correct; "She spins a sweater" is wrong.
- Confusing adjective 'spinning' with 'spun': 'spun gold' (correct), 'spinning gold' (the process).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Officially, 'Spinning' is a trademark and should be capitalised, but in common generic use ('a spinning class'), it is often lowercased.
Spinning is the process of making yarn or thread from fibres. Weaving is the subsequent process of interlacing those threads to make fabric.
Yes, e.g., 'She teaches spinning' (the craft), or 'I have a spinning at 6 pm' (the exercise class).
It is primarily figurative, meaning feeling confused, overwhelmed, or dizzy from information or events, though it can describe literal vertigo.
The action or process of rotating rapidly around an axis.
Spinning is usually neutral in register.
Spinning: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspɪn.ɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspɪn.ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “spinning a yarn (telling a story)”
- “spinning your wheels (wasting effort)”
- “make someone's head spin”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SPINning feels like a PINwheel rotating in the wind.
Conceptual Metaphor
CREATION IS SPINNING (spinning a tale, spinning plans); CONFUSION/OVERWHELM IS SPINNING (my head is spinning).
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'spinning' NOT involve physical rotation?