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Meaning & use

gyrating

verb, adjective·Academic

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UK/dʒaɪˈreɪtɪŋ/
US/ˈdʒaɪreɪtɪŋ/

“gyrating” is a form of “gyrate”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. verbintransitive

    Moving round and round in circles or a spiral, or twisting the body in rhythm.

    Grammar: The -ing form of gyrate; no object: dancers were gyrating.

    Patterns

    • gyrating around something
    • gyrating to music

    Dancers were gyrating to the beat on the crowded floor.

    The leaves were gyrating in the wind above the street.

    Satellites keep gyrating around the planet.

  2. adjectivebefore a noun

    Describing something that spins, whirls or swings widely.

    Grammar: Used before a noun: a gyrating crowd.

    Patterns

    • gyrating motion
    • gyrating hips

    The gyrating crowd filled the plaza.

    He was mesmerized by the gyrating lights.

    A gyrating top slowed and then fell over.

  3. adjectivebefore a nounfigurative

    Rising and falling erratically, as with prices or moods.

    Grammar: Figurative use for wild swings.

    Patterns

    • gyrating prices
    • gyrating markets

    Investors were wary of the gyrating markets.

    Gyrating prices made planning difficult.

    Her gyrating moods confused her friends.

Common combinations

gyrating hips
The singer was known for his gyrating hips.
gyrating wildly
The washing machine was gyrating wildly.
gyrating crowd
A gyrating crowd packed the festival.
gyrating prices
Gyrating prices unsettled the market.

Synonyms and how they differ

spinning
Spinning is turning around an axis, while gyrating also covers wobbly or rhythmic circling.
whirling
Whirling is fast, and gyrating often includes a dancing or twisting quality.
swiveling
Swiveling is turning on a fixed point, while gyrating involves bigger, looser movement.
rotating
Rotating is steady and technical, whereas gyrating is jerkier and more energetic.

Opposites

stationarystill

Word family

gyrate verb
to move in circles or spirals
gyration noun
a circular or spiral movement
gyroscope noun
a spinning device used for navigation
gyratory adjective
moving in a circle

Commonly confused: gyrating or gyroscope?

gyrating vs gyroscope

A gyroscope is a device with a spinning wheel, not an action of moving in circles.

Practice

The dancers were ___ to the pounding rhythm of the music.

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