Twist Definition
twist
noun
- an unforeseen development; "events suddenly took an awkward turn"
- an interpretation of a text or action; "they put an unsympathetic construction on his conduct"
- any clever maneuver; "he would stoop to any device to win a point"; "it was a great sales gimmick"; "a cheap promotions gimmick for greedy businessmen"
- the act of rotating rapidly; "he gave the crank a spin"; "it broke off after much twisting"
- a sharp strain on muscles or ligaments; "the wrench to his knee occurred as he fell"; "he was sidelined with a hamstring pull"
- a sharp bend in a line produced when a line having a loop is pulled tight
- a circular segment of a curve; "a bend in the road"; "a crook in the path"
- a miniature whirlpool or whirlwind resulting when the current of a fluid doubles back on itself
- a jerky pulling movement
- a hairdo formed by braiding or twisting the hair
- social dancing in which couples vigorously twist their hips and arms in time to the music; was popular in the 1960s; "they liked to dance the twist"
- the act of winding or twisting; "he put the key in the old clock and gave it a good wind"
- turning or twisting around (in place); "with a quick twist of his head he surveyed the room"
verb
- to move in a twisting or contorted motion, (especially when struggling); "The prisoner writhed in discomfort"; "The child tried to wriggle free from his aunt's embrace"
- cause (a plastic object) to assume a crooked or angular form; "bend the rod"; "twist the dough into a braid"; "the strong man could turn an iron bar"
- turn in the opposite direction; "twist one's head"
- form into a spiral shape; "The cord is all twisted"
- form into twists; "Twist the strips of dough"
- extend in curves and turns; "The road winds around the lake"; "the path twisted through the forest"
- do the twist
- twist or pull violently or suddenly, especially so as to remove (something) from that to which it is attached or from where it originates; "wrench a window off its hinges"; "wrench oneself free from somebody's grip"; "a deep sigh was wrenched from his chest"
- practice sophistry; change the meaning of or be vague about in order to mislead or deceive; "Don't twist my words"
- twist suddenly so as to sprain; "wrench one's ankle"; "The wrestler twisted his shoulder"; "the hikers sprained their ankles when they fell"; "I turned my ankle and couldn't walk for several days"
"Twist" in song lyrics
See how twist is used in real songs:
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"Friday let's lemon meringue ya thang with a twist"
3 Melancholy Gypsies — And If -
"Let go my eggo and pass me the purple twist"
504 Boys — Get Back -
"9th Prince the soloist with a twist"
9th Prince f/ Don Don — Young Black Millions
Words that rhyme with twist
Usage tips for "twist"
Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "twist" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for twist to find words that pair well.