Swirling: meaning, definitions and examples

Swirling is often used to describe something that is moving in a circular pattern, especially when it comes to liquids, gases, or even emotions. It implies a sense of motion and fluidity.

• The leaves were swirling in the wind
• Her mind was swirling with thoughts

Twist is typically used to describe something being turned or bent into a different shape, often by applying force. It can also be used metaphorically for complex situations.

• He twisted the cap off the bottle
• The plot of the movie had a surprising twist

Whirl describes fast, circular motion and is usually used to express rapid movement or confusion. It can apply to physical objects, people, or even abstract concepts like thoughts.

• The dancers whirled around the floor
• Her head was in a whirl after the long day

Spin is used to describe something rotating rapidly around an axis. It's often used for objects like tops, wheels, or even people when they turn around quickly.

• The child loves to spin the top
• She spun around to see who had called her name

Best used when describing something that is moving in a circular, often chaotic motion, especially fluids, air, or abstract concepts like thoughts.

• The tea leaves were swirling in the cup.
• She felt a whirlwind of swirling emotions taking over.

Best used when describing rapid circular motion, usually emphasizing speed and energy. It is often related to lively and vigorous activities or natural phenomena.

• The leaves were whirling in the autumn wind.
• The dancers were whirling around the room.

Used when describing an object turning quickly around a central point or axis. Often related to physical objects like tops, machinery, or even people getting dizzy.

• The ballerina was spinning gracefully.
• The disk in the drive is spinning at high speed.

Typically refers to something being bent or contorted into a shape, or to describe complex plots and situations. It can also imply difficulty or pain.

• She was twisting the wire into a loop.
• The plot of the movie had many twisting turns.

Used to describe something moving in a pattern or shape of a circle. Often used to describe liquids, smoke, or objects in the air.

• The autumn leaves were swirling in the wind.
• She watched the milk swirling in her coffee.

Used to describe something turning forcefully or forming into a bent shape. Can also be used metaphorically to describe an unexpected change.

• She had to twist the lid to open the jar.
• There was a surprising twist at the end of the movie.

Used to describe something spinning quickly, often in an uncontrolled way. It can be used for both physical and mental states.

• The children were whirling around the playground.
• Her mind was whirling with all the new information.

Used to describe something that goes in a circular and continuous upward or downward path, often in a physical or metaphorical sense.

• The staircase spiraled up to the top floor.
• The conversation started to spiral into an argument.