pirouette

Everyday

1. A pirouette is a fast spin on one foot, especially in ballet, often on the toes. tree →
2. (verb) To pirouette is to spin round on one foot. tree →
3. To pirouette can also mean to spin round quickly and suddenly, not only on one foot. tree →

In the lessons

In dance and PE lessons it names a turn; in stories it shows someone spinning gracefully or happily. Phrases: do a pirouette, a double pirouette.

Examples

• The ballerina did a perfect pirouette. tree →
• Sophie practised her pirouettes in the hall. tree →
• He pirouetted across the kitchen with joy. tree →
• A double pirouette means spinning twice. tree →
• Keep your eyes on one spot when you do a pirouette. tree →
• The ice skater pirouetted on the rink. tree →
• She struck the deer hard, it pirouetted and became Prince Almas. tree →

Note

From French, meaning «spinning top». Say pir-oo-ET. Countable noun. Past form: pirouetted (double t).