whirligig
|whirl-i-gig|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˈwɜːrlɪˌɡɪɡ/
🇬🇧
/ˈwɜːlɪˌɡɪɡ/
spinning toy or changing events
Etymology
Etymology Information
'whirligig' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'whirlegigg', where 'whirle' meant 'to whirl' and 'gigg' referred to a top or toy.
Historical Evolution
'whirlegigg' transformed into the modern English word 'whirligig'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to a spinning toy, but over time it evolved to also describe a series of changing events.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a toy that spins around, such as a top or pinwheel.
The children played with a colorful whirligig in the garden.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a constantly changing set of events or activities.
Life can sometimes feel like a whirligig of emotions.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45