pinwheel

Everyday

1. (US, Canada) A toy made of paper or plastic blades on a stick that spin round in the wind; in the UK called a windmill. tree →
2. A firework that spins round, also called a Catherine wheel. tree →
3. A round spiral shape, such as pinwheel sandwiches or biscuits. tree →

In the lessons

Children make pinwheels in science and DT lessons to learn about wind and energy. In art and cooking, a pinwheel is a spiral design, like rolled sandwiches cut into slices. On Bonfire Night, spinning fireworks are called Catherine wheels or pinwheels.

Examples

• We made paper pinwheels to see which way the wind blows. tree →
• My pinwheel spun faster when I ran. tree →
• The Catherine wheel firework spun like a pinwheel. tree →
• Mum made pinwheel sandwiches for the party. tree →
• The galaxy looks like a giant pinwheel. tree →
• Blow on the pinwheel and watch it turn. tree →

Note

Countable. One word. UK English often says «windmill» for the toy. Firework safety: only adults should light fireworks.