English Dictionary
Definition of “whirl”
whirl (wɜːl
)
Definitions
verb
- to spin, turn, or revolve or cause to spin, turn, or revolve
- (intr) to turn around or away rapidly
- (intr) to have a spinning sensation, as from dizziness, etc
- to move or drive or be moved or driven at high speed
noun
- the act or an instance of whirling; swift rotation or a rapid whirling movement
- a condition of confusion or giddiness ⇒
her accident left me in a whirl
- a swift round, as of events, meetings, etc
- a tumult; stir
- informal a brief trip, dance, etc
- See give something a whirl
Alternative Forms
ˈwhirler noun ˈwhirling adjective ˈwhirlingly adverb Word Origin
C13: from Old Norse hvirfla to turn about; related to Old High German wirbil whirlwind
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
=
revolution,
turn,
roll,
circle,
wheel,
spin,
twist,
reel,
swirl,
rotation,
twirl,
pirouette,
gyration,
birl,
Usage examples
The kettle's shrill whistle made Amy whirl around, her hand to her mouth in sudden fear.
Thomas, Rosie, The White Dove (1986)This starts a vortex that continues to whirl even when the valves are closed.
New Scientist (1999)Dates came and went in a reasonably pleasant social whirl and somehow everyone eventually married someone.
Toronto Sun (2003)I suspend it first from my right hand, then from my left, where it gives a little whirl.
Independent (1998)Simple answers lightheartedly presented quickly re-established me favourably in the social whirl of the ward round.
Dorothy Rowe, BEYOND FEAR (2002)
