Whirl: meaning, definitions and examples

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whirl

 

[ wษ™หl ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

move quickly in a circular motion

To whirl means to move quickly in a circular motion. It can be used to describe spinning rapidly or rotating swiftly around an axis.

Synonyms

rotate, spin, twirl.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
whirl

Use when describing something moving quickly in a circular motion, often creating a sense of chaos or rapid movement.

  • The leaves began to whirl in the strong wind.
  • Her mind started to whirl with all the new information.
spin

Best used when describing something quickly turning around, often implying energy or excitement. It can be applied to both objects and abstract concepts like stories or information.

  • The ballerina can spin gracefully on one foot.
  • The news outlet tried to spin the story in a positive light.
twirl

Ideal for describing a light, playful, or elegant circular motion, often associated with dancing or playful activities.

  • The little girl loved to twirl in her new dress.
  • He twirled the pen between his fingers while thinking.
rotate

Appropriate for describing a controlled and deliberate movement around an axis or central point. Often used in scientific, technical, and formal contexts.

  • Earth rotates on its axis once every 24 hours.
  • The technician will rotate the tires for better performance.

Examples of usage

  • The dancer whirled around the stage gracefully.
  • The leaves whirled in the wind.
Context #2 | Noun

a rapid circular movement

As a noun, whirl refers to a rapid circular movement. It can also be used to describe a state of confusion or excitement.

Synonyms

rotation, spin, twirl.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
whirl

Used to describe rapid or chaotic movements, often implies confusion or excitement.

  • The leaves were caught in a whirl
  • She felt her head whirl with excitement
spin

Describes a rapid turning motion, often used informally and can imply loss of control.

  • The dancer took a spin across the floor
  • He felt the car spin out of control on the icy road
twirl

Often relates to a light, playful or elegant circular movement, frequently used in contexts involving dancing or fashion.

  • The little girl began to twirl in her new dress
  • She twirled her hair around her finger absentmindedly
rotation

Refers to a smooth, repetitive circular movement, often used in technical or formal contexts.

  • The Earth completes one rotation every 24 hours
  • The rotation of the gears was precise and steady

Examples of usage

  • The whirl of the tornado was terrifying.
  • She felt caught up in a whirl of emotions.

Translations

Translations of the word "whirl" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น redemoinho

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเคตเค‚เคกเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Wirbel

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ pusaran

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒะธั…ะพั€

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ wir

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆธฆๅทปใ (uzumaki)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท tourbillon

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ remolino

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท girdap

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์†Œ์šฉ๋Œ์ด (so-yongdori)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฏูˆุงู…ุฉ (dawwama)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vรญr

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ vรญr

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ—‹ๆถก (xuรกn wล)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ vrtinec

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hvirfill

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›าฑะนั‹ะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒ‘แƒ แƒฃแƒœแƒแƒ•แƒ˜ (mbrunavi)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ girdap

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ remolino

Etymology

The word 'whirl' originated from Middle English 'whirlen', which is related to Old Norse 'hvirfla' and Middle Low German 'wirbeln'. The sense of rapid circular movement has been used since the 15th century.

See also: whir, whirligig, whirling, whirlpool, whirlwind.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,981, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.