A twirler is someone who spins or rotates something skillfully, often as a performance or sport. The most common type is a baton twirler, who tosses a metal rod called a baton high in the air, catches it, and spins it in complex patterns, usually while marching with a band or performing at halftime shows. Baton twirling requires tremendous hand-eye coordination, timing, and hours of practice to master the catches and throws.

Color guard members can also be twirlers. They spin flags, rifles, or sabers as part of marching band performances, creating visual effects that match the music. Their equipment looks simple, but twirling a six-foot flag or wooden rifle takes real strength and precision.

The word can describe anyone who spins things with skill and flair. A drum major might twirl a mace (a decorated staff) at the front of a parade. Some pizza makers are famous twirlers, spinning dough high above their heads to stretch it into perfect circles. Even a basketball player spinning the ball on one finger could be called a twirler.

What makes someone a true twirler is doing it with control and style that makes it look easy, even though it definitely isn't.