pirouette

Definition

A whirling or turning on the toes in dancing, primarily in ballet.

Etymology

Borrowed from French pirouette, see there for more; attested since 1706.

Example Sentences

• "[…]like what?—like the most beautiful pirouette by [Marie] Taglioni, let us say."
• "But the Emperor’s friend covered himself with glory, for he danced everything, whether he knew it or not, and introduced impromptu pirouettes when the figures bewildered him.."
• ""Serious as cognitohazard." Lillihammer danced down the corridor towards them, doing little pirouettes and leaping from toe to toe. "Reuben Wirth no longer exists. Gonna have to get Forsythe to do that brain scan to make sure I'm clean, but otherwise yeah. Poof.""