swirl

American  

[swurl] / swɜrl /

verb (used without object)

1. to move around or along with a whirling motion; whirl; eddy.

2. to be dizzy or giddy, as the head.

   Synonyms:

   spin, reel

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verb (used with object)

1. to cause to whirl; twist.

noun

1. a swirling movement; whirl; eddy.

2. a twist, as of hair around the head or of trimming on a hat.

3. any curving, twisting line, shape, or form.

4. confusion; disorder.

swirl British  

/ swɜːl /

verb

1. to turn or cause to turn in a twisting spinning fashion

2. (intr) to be dizzy; swim

   my head was swirling

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noun

1. a whirling or spinning motion, esp in water

2. a whorl; curl

3. the act of swirling or stirring

4. dizzy confusion

Other Word Forms

• outswirl verb (used with object)
• swirling adjective
• swirlingly adverb
• swirly adjective

Etymology

Origin of swirl

1375–1425; late Middle English (north) < Scandinavian; compare Norwegian svirla; cognate with Dutch zwirrelen to whirl, German (dial.) schwirrlen to totter; all < a root *swir- (whence Danish svirre to whirl, German schwirren to whir) + -l- frequentative suffix

Example Sentences

The pair shared statements on their Instagram stories that they “wanted to provide some clarity” as rumors swirled about their status.

From Los Angeles Times

Sela turned over the elaborate floral hair tie Auntie had been working on, running her fingertips over the swirl of blue, purple, and pink.

From Literature

She pauses, swirling the water with her big toe.

From Literature

But in several places, the waves swirled and tapered into pinecone-sized whirlpools.

From Literature

Meanwhile, there are questions swirling around when Cook, 65, will retire.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• boil
• churn
• roil
• twirl
• whirl