noun

pirouette

pih-ruu-EHT

Pirouette (noun) means a full spin performed on the toes or ball of the foot, especially in ballet. Example: “The dancer completed three perfect pirouettes to close the routine.”

noun

A full spin performed on the toes or ball of the foot, especially in ballet.

"The dancer completed three perfect pirouettes to close the routine."

verb

To spin on one's toes like a ballet dancer.

"She pirouetted gracefully across the stage."

How to use pirouette

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA spinning turn on the toes, most associated with ballet.

Common pairings

perform a pirouette pirouette across the stage

Word forms

pirouetted past tense, pirouettes plural, pirouettes singular

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The dancer completed three perfect _____ to close the routine.

Etymology

Borrowed from French pirouette, in use in English since around 1706.

Origin: French · First attested 1706

Class of 1706 pirouette joined the language around 1706.

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Rhymes for pirouette

Bette Vette Yvette palette gazette rosette Annette Lynette Colette Lisette Janette Suzette

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Frequently asked questions

What does “pirouette” mean?

The word “pirouette” means a full spin performed on the toes or ball of the foot, especially in ballet. In plain terms, a spinning turn on the toes, most associated with ballet.

How do you pronounce “pirouette”?

“Pirouette” is pronounced pih-ruu-EHT (/ˌpɪ.ɹəˈwɛt/ in IPA).

How do you use “pirouette” in a sentence?

Here is “pirouette” used in a sentence: “The dancer completed three perfect pirouettes to close the routine.”

What part of speech is “pirouette”?

Depending on how it is used, “pirouette” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “pirouette” come from?

The word “pirouette” dates back to around 1706 and comes from French. Borrowed from French pirouette, in use in English since around 1706.

How many meanings does “pirouette” have?

“Pirouette” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a full spin performed on the toes or ball of the foot, especially in ballet.