noun
pinwheel
PIN-weel
Pinwheel (noun) means a children's toy with a wheel-shaped head on a stick that spins round in the wind. Example: “The children ran across the garden holding pinwheels.”
noun
1
A children's toy with a wheel-shaped head on a stick that spins round in the wind.
"The children ran across the garden holding pinwheels."
"A bright pink pinwheel spun in the breeze on the porch."
"She planted a row of pinwheels along the flowerbed."
2
cooking A food made by rolling a flat sheet of pastry or bread with a filling into a spiral shape.
"She made ham and cheese pinwheels for the party."
"The bakery sells cinnamon pinwheels filled with sugar and spice."
"He sliced the rolled dough into neat pinwheels before baking."
How to use pinwheel
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a spinning toy on a stick or a spiral-rolled food, both named for their wheel-like shape.
When to use it
It's an everyday, informal word used in both children's play and cooking contexts.
Memory tip
Picture a toy pinwheel spinning to remember why the rolled-up food shares its name.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
a spinning pinwheel
ham and cheese pinwheels
pinwheel sandwiches
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The children ran across the garden holding _____.
Etymology
Formed in English by joining pin, for the pivot the toy turns on, with wheel, describing its spinning shape.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for pinwheel
See all rhymes for pinwheel →Frequently asked questions
What is a pinwheel toy?
It's a children's toy with a wheel-shaped head on a stick that spins in the wind.
What is a pinwheel in cooking?
It's food made by rolling a flat filled sheet, such as pastry or bread, into a spiral before slicing.
Why is it called a pinwheel?
The name combines pin, for the pivot it spins on, and wheel, for its round spinning shape.
What is the meaning of pinwheel?
"pinwheel" (noun) means a children's toy with a wheel-shaped head on a stick that spins round in the wind.
