Whirligig

A whirligig is a toy or other small object that spins or rotates rapidly, often as a result of being propelled by air currents, or mechanical means. The term can also describe a person or thing characterized by erratic or rapid motion. It evokes a sense of playful, dizzying movement and can be used to describe both physical objects and abstract concepts like a fast-paced situation or a quickly changing series of events. The object commonly elicits feelings of joy and a sense of wonder because of its mesmerizing effect on its spectators.

Whirligig meaning with examples

• The children spent hours on the playground watching the colorful whirligig spin and twirl in the breeze. Its intricate designs mesmerized them as the wind caught the blades. They laughed and pointed, their faces alight with delight, as it danced. It was one of their favorite pastimes in the summer.
• The artist created a large metal whirligig for the garden, a kinetic sculpture that captured the wind's energy. It was the centerpiece of the landscape, a symbol of the ever-changing conditions in nature, its movement captivating anyone that took notice of its splendor. It became the artist's crowning achievement, displaying it in their studio.
• The financial market felt like a chaotic whirligig, with prices fluctuating wildly throughout the day. Investors were nervous as they observed their investments swing in value. Attempts to stabilize the market were unsuccessful. Analysts feared a crash was coming.
• The old clock repairman showed the curious children a complex mechanical whirligig mechanism from the old clock. Gears turned, and levers clicked. The intricate dance of the parts fascinated the children, filling them with awe. He explained the mechanism's inner workings and the importance of keeping all of the small parts oiled and cleaned.
• The fast-paced plot of the new thriller felt like a relentless whirligig, taking the reader on a series of unexpected twists and turns. The suspense was maintained throughout the novel. Readers were unable to predict where the plot would go. The reader raced towards the conclusion hoping for answers to the many questions that had developed during the story.