1. 1. To draw out and twist (fibers) into thread.
   2. To form (thread or yarn) in this manner.
2. To form (a web or cocoon, for example) by extruding viscous filaments.
3. To make or produce by or as if by drawing out and twisting.
4. 1. To relate or create: spun tales for the children.
   2. To prolong or extend: spin out a visit with an old friend.
5. To cause to rotate swiftly; twirl.
6. To shape or manufacture by a twirling or rotating process.
7. To provide an interpretation of (a statement or event, for example), especially in a way meant to sway public opinion: "a messenger who spins bogus research into a vile theology of hatred" (William A. Henry III).
8. Slang. To play (a phonograph record or records), especially as a disc jockey.

1. To make thread or yarn by drawing out and twisting fibers.
2. To extrude viscous filaments, forming a web or cocoon.
3. To rotate rapidly; whirl. See synonyms at turn.
4. To seem to be whirling, as from dizziness; reel: My head spun after doing a cartwheel.
5. To ride or drive rapidly.
6. To fish with a light rod, lure, and line and a reel with a stationary spool.

1. The act of spinning.
2. A swift whirling motion.
3. A state of mental confusion.
4. Informal. A short drive in a vehicle: took a spin in the new car.
5. The flight condition of an aircraft in a nose-down, spiraling, stalled descent.
6. 1. A distinctive point of view, emphasis, or interpretation: "Dryden . . . was adept at putting spin on an apparently neutral recital of facts" (Robert M. Adams).
   2. A distinctive character or style: an innovative chef who puts a new spin on traditional fare.
7. Physics.
   1. The intrinsic angular momentum of a subatomic particle. Also called spin angular momentum.
   2. The total angular momentum of an atomic nucleus.
   3. A quantum number expressing spin angular momentum.

spin off

1. To derive (a company or product, for example) from something larger.

1. To rotate out of control, as a skidding car leaving a roadway.

spin (one's) wheels Informal.

1. To expend effort with no result.

[Middle English spinnen, from Old English spinnan.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.