Whirligig - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A whirligig is a spinning toy or device, often powered by wind or hand motion. It can also refer to something that constantly changes or moves in a lively, unpredictable way.
Definition:
A spinning toy or device, or a state of rapid, chaotic movement.
Synonyms:
spinner, top, whirlabout, gyroscope
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
stillness, calm
Common Collocations:
wooden whirligig, spins wildly, garden decoration
Derivatives:
whirligigs, whirligigging
Usage Tips:
Use "whirligig" to describe spinning objects or chaotic motion; often playful or whimsical in tone.
Common Phrases:
the whirligig of time, like a whirligig in the wind
Etymology:
From Middle English *whirlen* (to whirl) + *gig* (a playful device), dating to the 15th century.
Examples:
- 1. The children laughed as the colorful whirligig spun in the breeze.
- 2. He built a wooden whirligig for his garden to scare away birds.
- 3. Her thoughts were a whirligig of excitement before the big trip.
- 4. The old man watched the whirligigs twirl on his porch railing.