To twirl means to spin or rotate quickly, often in a graceful or playful way. When a ballet dancer twirls across the stage, she spins on her toes with control and elegance. When you twirl a baton, you spin it rapidly between your fingers or toss it spinning through the air.

The word suggests circular motion with a light, cheerful quality. A child might twirl in a new dress, spinning around to watch the skirt flare out. A basketball player might twirl the ball on one finger, showing off their coordination. Orchestra conductors twirl their batons to keep time with the music.

You can twirl objects or twirl yourself. Twirling pasta around your fork wraps the noodles in neat spirals. Twirling your hair means winding a strand around your finger, sometimes absentmindedly while thinking. The motion is usually quick, repeated, and satisfying to watch or do.