verb

spin

/spɪn/ · say it: spin

a biased interpretation meant to influence opinion

In From the Front Page

In more detail

1. (verb) to turn around and around quickly

2. (verb) to make thread or yarn by twisting fibers together

3. (verb) to present information in a particular way to influence how people think about it

4. (noun) a quick turning movement

5. (noun) the way something is presented or described, especially to make it seem favorable

Examples

1. The dancer spun across the stage.
2. She spins wool into yarn using a wheel.
3. Politicians often spin the news to their advantage.

How to use spin

Spin has three distinct uses: the literal physical sense (rotating quickly), the textile sense (making thread), and the figurative sense (managing perception or narrative). The figurative sense is especially common in politics and media contexts, where it implies strategic framing rather than outright lying. All three uses are standard in contemporary English.

Common phrases

spin around
spin out of control
spin a yarn
put a spin on
spin the wheel

Synonyms

rotate · twist · turn · whirl · revolve

Word family

spinner · spinning · spindle · spun

A common mistake

Learners often confuse 'spin' with 'spiral'; while 'spiral' involves rotation with outward or upward movement, 'spin' is primarily about rotation around an axis.

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