to turn around quickly on a central point, or to make something do this
The colorful toy top can spin for almost a minute on the table.
Sand flew everywhere as the car wheels spun on the loose road.
✦ Old English spinnan “to twist fibers into thread, form by spinning,” from Proto-Germanic *spenwanan.
to make thread or yarn by twisting fibers together using your fingers or a machine
The grandmother spun soft wool into a long strand beside the fireplace.
In the workshop, a man spins cotton into thread on an old spinning wheel.
a quick turn or series of turns around a central point
With a fast spin, the dancer ended her routine.
The coin made a spin before lying flat.
a short, fast ride in a car, bicycle, or other vehicle, usually for pleasure or to test it
Let's take the motorcycle for a quick spin along the coast.
He invited her for a spin around the block in his new car.
to present information in a way that makes it seem more favorable or less negative than it really is
The press officer tried to spin the bad news into a positive story.
After the game, the coach spun the loss as a chance to learn.
a way of presenting information that is intended to influence how people think about it
The article put a negative spin on the mayor's decision.
Each news channel added its own spin to the story.
to understand something fully and clearly
It took me a while to grasp the concept of quantum physics.
She quickly grasped what the new software could do.
✦ Figurative extension of the physical sense of “seize” dating from the 16th century.
to breathe in suddenly and noisily because you are shocked, in pain, or struggling for air
Everyone gasped when the magician pulled a rabbit from the empty hat.
The swimmer surfaced, gasping for breath after the long dive.
✦ Middle English gaspen, likely of Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse geispa “to yawn.”
