flurry

[ flur-ee, fluhr-ee ]

noun

, plural flur·ries.

1. a light, brief shower of snow.
2. sudden commotion, excitement, or confusion; nervous hurry:

   There was a flurry of activity before the guests arrived.

   Synonyms: ado, fluster, fuss, to-do, stir, pother, upset

3. Stock Exchange.
   1. a brief rise or fall in prices.
   2. a brief, unusually heavy period of trading.
4. a sudden gust of wind.

verb (used with object)

, flur·ried, flur·ry·ing.

1. to put (a person) into a flurry; confuse; fluster.

verb (used without object)

, flur·ried, flur·ry·ing.

1. (of snow) to fall or be blown in a flurry.
2. to move in an excited or agitated manner.

flurry

/ ˈflʌrɪ /

noun

1. a sudden commotion or burst of activity
2. a light gust of wind or rain or fall of snow
3. stock exchange a sudden brief increase in trading or fluctuation in stock prices
4. the death spasms of a harpooned whale

verb

1. to confuse or bewilder or be confused or bewildered

Other Words From

• flurried·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of flurry¹

1680–90, Americanism; blend of flutter and hurry

Word History and Origins

Origin of flurry¹

C17: from obsolete flurr to scatter, perhaps formed on analogy with hurry

Example Sentences

In a flurry of announcements, the formation of the human skeleton and the early immune system have also been mapped out in detail.

From BBC

A number of investigations have centred on Adams and those in his orbit - leading to subpoenas, law enforcement raids and a flurry of resignations of top officials who help lead New York City.

From BBC

Although the case was quickly settled out of court, it led to a flurry of similar accusations and an investigation by the US Government.

From BBC

President-elect Donald Trump opened his transition back to the White House this week with a flurry of personnel announcements that sent forceful messages to major constituent groups, potential political rivals and the country at large.

From Los Angeles Times

The game in Phoenix gave Lakers fans a taste of what Knecht could do, a shooter and scorer who, at any time, could burn up the nets with a flurry of buckets.

From Los Angeles Times