What does pirouetting mean?
Pirouetting is the act of spinning around on one foot, most often in ballet, ballroom dance, figure skating, or similar performance contexts. A dancer may execute several pirouettes in succession, often while maintaining a fixed position or traveling across the floor. The movement is valued for its balance, speed, and apparent effortless control; a successful pirouette allows the performer to turn without losing posture or momentum. In less specialized contexts, the word can mean spinning or rotating rapidly in place. The expression comes from French, where pirouette refers to a spinning top and, by extension, a turn on one foot. It is a precise and evocative term for a graceful rotation, whether used by dancers, athletes, or figuratively for an unexpected change of direction.
verbTo spin around on one foot, typically in a controlled movement used in ballet or dance. It can also mean to turn or rotate rapidly in place.
- To spin around on one foot, especially as a dance movement.
- To rotate or turn rapidly in place.
"The dancer pirouetted across the stage and finished in a poised stance."
"She pirouetted gracefully at the center of the ballroom."
"The figure skater pirouetted before launching into her jump."
A pirouette turns the dancer on one foot, but the term originally referred to a spinning top.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pirouetting come from?
The word comes through French, where pirouette means “spinning top” and “a turn on one foot.” Its deeper origin is uncertain, although it is generally associated with an Old French word meaning a spinning top. English borrowed the term in the context of ballet and formal dance, where it became established for a controlled turn on one foot. Related forms appear in several European languages, including Italian pirouetta and German Pirouette.
Related word forms
How pirouetting is actually used
Usually describes a controlled turn on one foot, particularly in ballet and other dance forms. It is also used more generally for rapid spinning.