What does pirouette mean?
A pirouette is a turn made on one foot. The word is most strongly associated with ballet, where it names a controlled rotation on one supporting leg, commonly performed with the other leg raised, bent, or in a position such as retiré. A dancer may execute several successive pirouettes in a sequence, and the term can also specify technical variations such as pirouettes en pointe. Outside dance, “pirouette” describes any quick spin or whirling movement, often with a sense of lightness or playfulness. As a verb, it refers to spinning or turning rapidly on one foot. The word was borrowed from French, where it originally referred to a spinning top, so its central idea has remained consistent: a body turning rapidly around its own axis.
A turn on one foot, especially a controlled ballet turn on one supporting leg.
"Her final pirouette brought her precisely back to center stage."
The technical ballet sense is dominant. Outside dance, the word usually denotes a quick, often playful spin.
To spin or turn rapidly on one foot.
"The skater pirouetted onto the ice and continued into a glide."
Often describes a quick, graceful, or playful rotation.
The regular plural is used for individual turns or sequences of turns in dance.
"The ballerina performed three pirouettes before finishing her phrase."
From a spinning top to a ballet classic: the pirouette keeps its sense of quick, controlled rotation in both ordinary and technical usage.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pirouette come from?
English borrowed the noun from French pirouette, meaning “spinning top,” a word found in Middle French and deriving from an ultimately uncertain origin. The English verb was formed with the influence of French pirouetter, “to spin or turn.” Its original association with a spinning top reflects the same rapid rotation that became the defining feature of ballet technique and everyday usage.
Related word forms
How pirouette is actually used
In dance terminology, the word usually refers to a controlled turn on one supporting leg, sometimes with the other leg in a fixed position. In general use, it describes an informal spinning movement and may carry a light or playful tone.
Easily confused with pirouette
A pirouette is a turn on one foot, whereas a fouetté is a whip-like turning movement in which the working leg sweeps outward and back while the dancer pivots.