Flurry: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a sudden, short, and often excited movement or activity. Can also refer to a brief snowfall.

• There was a flurry of activity in the office as the deadline approached.
• We had a flurry of snow this morning, but it melted quickly.

Refers to a sudden and violent breaking out or explosion. Can be used for emotions, actions, or physical phenomena.

• She burst into tears when she heard the news.
• The dam burst under the pressure of the floodwaters.

Indicates a quick and often eager movement towards something. It can also suggest a sense of urgency or haste.

• There was a rush to submit the applications before the deadline.
• He felt a rush of adrenaline as he prepared for the race.

Refers to a large number of similar things or events occurring in quick succession. Often used in a more formal context.

• The city experienced a spate of burglaries over the summer.
• There has been a spate of new book releases in recent months.

Use 'flurry' to describe a sudden, brief burst of activity or emotion, often implying something unexpected or intensive but short-lived.

• There was a flurry of excitement when the celebrity arrived
• The flurry of snow made it hard to see the road

Use 'commotion' to describe a situation of noisy disturbance or confusion, often implying chaos and lack of order. This word has a slightly negative connotation.

• There was a commotion outside the theater when the fire alarm went off
• The unexpected announcement caused quite a commotion in the office

Use 'hustle' to describe energetic activity or movement, often suggesting urgency or efficiency. It can also have a negative connotation when referring to aggressive or underhanded behavior.

• You need to hustle if you want to catch the bus
• He tried to hustle me into buying something I didn't want

Use 'bustle' to describe a lot of busy activity or movement, often in a crowded place. It refers to constant motion but can also imply some level of organization.

• The marketplace was full of bustle with vendors shouting and people shopping
• She had to bustle around the kitchen to prepare the meal

Used to describe a sudden, brief burst of activity, emotion, or wind/snow. Commonly used in weather reports or to describe a busy period.

• There was a flurry of activity in the office right before the deadline.
• A flurry of snowflakes fell from the sky, making the roads slippery.

Describes a group of birds or sheep moving together. Can also be used metaphorically for people moving together in groups.

• A flock of geese flew overhead, honking loudly.
• Tourists flocked to the new museum on its opening day.

Refers to a large group of insects, especially bees, moving together. It can also be used negatively to describe a large group of people moving in a chaotic or aggressive manner.

• A swarm of bees surrounded the tree, making it hard to approach.
• Football fans swarmed the field after their team won the championship.

Refers to the act of moving through the air, typically used for birds, insects, or airplanes. Also can mean an escape or a series of consecutive steps in architecture.

• The bird took flight as soon as it sensed danger.
• We missed our flight to New York because of the traffic.