A spinning wheel is a device used for spinning fibers into thread or yarn. It typically consists of a wheel that is turned by hand or foot, a spindle to hold the fiber, and a tensioning mechanism to control the thickness of the yarn. Spinning wheels have been used for centuries in various cultures to create textiles from materials like wool, cotton, and flax. The invention of the spinning wheel revolutionized the textile industry by making the process of spinning much faster and more efficient than hand spinning. This innovation contributed to the growth of textile manufacturing and played a significant role in the Industrial Revolution, leading to the mass production of fabrics.