Words cleverly spun around (4)

I believe the answer is:

puns

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'words cleverly' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I cannot understand how they can define each other.

'spun around' is the wordplay.
'around' indicates an anagram.
'spun' with letters rearranged gives 'PUNS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for puns that I've seen before include "People like me like them" , "Plays on words" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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