pinwheel
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈpɪnˌwɪl/
KK: /ˈpɪnˌwɪl/
noun
Definition
A toy made of colorful vanes that spin around when the wind blows on it, often used for fun or decoration.
Example
The children laughed as they ran around with their pinwheels in the breeze.
Conversation
Look at that colorful pinwheel spinning in the breeze!
It's so pretty! I love how it catches the light.
I remember having one like that when I was a kid.
Me too! They always made playing outside so much fun.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
whirligig
spinner
toy
Antonyms
static
still
motionless
verb
Definition
To move in a circular motion, similar to how a pinwheel spins when blown by the wind.
Example
The leaves began to pinwheel in the strong gusts of wind.
Tense Forms
Past: pinwheeled
Past Participle: pinwheeled
Conversation
Have you ever seen a child pinwheel when they run?
Yeah, it’s so cute how they spin around with it.
I love how they just pinwheel their arms and laugh so freely.
Root Explanation
Pinwheel → The word is formed from "pin" (from Old English "pinn", meaning a small, pointed object) and "wheel" (from Old English "hwēol", meaning a circular object that revolves). A pinwheel is a circular object that spins, typically driven by the wind, with pointed objects attached to it.
Memory Tip
Think of a small pointed object ('pin') that helps a circular object ('wheel') spin around — that's how a pinwheel works.
Visually Confused Words
upwheel
unwheel