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Whirling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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whirling

[ˈwəːlɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

dance

A rapid rotating movement.

Synonyms

rotating, spinning, twirling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
whirling

Describes rapid circular motion, often used to convey a sense of confusion or excitement.

  • The leaves were whirling in the autumn wind.
  • Her thoughts were whirling with possibilities.
spinning

Suggests rapid motion in circles, often used for objects or activities where speed and continuity are emphasized.

  • The washing machine is spinning the clothes dry.
  • He felt like his head was spinning after the roller coaster ride.
twirling

Implies a lighter or more delicate motion, often associated with dance or playful action.

  • The ballerina was twirling gracefully on stage.
  • She couldn't help but twirl her hair while thinking.
rotating

Describes an object turning around a central axis, frequently used in technical or mechanical contexts.

  • The Earth is constantly rotating on its axis.
  • The gears in the clock are rotating silently.

Examples of usage

  • The dancers moved in a whirling motion across the stage.
  • She spun around in a whirling frenzy of movement.
Context #2 | Noun

weather

A swirling mass of air or water.

Synonyms

spinning, swirling, twisting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
whirling

Used to describe something that is moving rapidly in a circular manner, often evoking a sense of fast and continuous motion. It can have a dramatic or intense connotation.

  • The leaves were whirling in the wind
  • The dancers were whirling around the stage
swirling

Suggests a smooth, fluid circular motion, often used to describe liquids, smoke, and things that move gracefully. It often evokes a sense of beauty or complexity.

  • The coffee was swirling in the cup
  • The smoke was swirling up into the sky
spinning

Commonly used to describe things that rotate around a central point, often with a steady or controlled motion. It can be used for physical objects or abstract situations like thoughts.

  • The wheel was spinning rapidly
  • Her head was spinning with excitement
twisting

Indicates a motion that involves turning or bending, often in a more forceful or abrupt manner. It can be used both for physical movements and metaphorical situations, sometimes with a negative nuance.

  • The vine was twisting around the tree
  • His face twisted with pain

Examples of usage

  • The whirling winds of the tornado caused massive destruction.
  • The whirling waters of the whirlpool pulled everything down.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, whirling can describe objects in circular motion, like planets orbiting the sun.
  • Centrifugal forces occur when something is whirling, pushing objects outward as they spin.
  • Whirling can also describe the behavior of fluids, where whirlpools form in water.

Pop Culture

  • In dance, whirling is a key movement in styles like ballet or folk dances, expressing joy and celebration.
  • Animation often uses whirling to depict excitement or chaos, enhancing storytelling in movies.
  • The iconic spinning top from children's toys showcases whirling in action, keeping kids entertained and curious.

Psychology

  • The feeling of 'whirling' can describe a state of mental confusion or dizziness, often related to stress.
  • Meditation practices sometimes use whirling movements, like those of Sufi whirling, to induce trance-like states for mindfulness.
  • Children often feel a sense of joy and loss of control when whirling, showcasing how movement impacts emotions.

Literature

  • The image of whirling often appears in poetry to create a sense of vivid action or emotion.
  • Classic tales, like 'Alice in Wonderland', use whirling as a metaphor for confusion and the surreal nature of the journey.
  • In novels, characters may whirl in dance to symbolize passion, freedom, or celebration of life.

Origin of 'whirling'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the old English 'whirlen', which means 'to turn swiftly'.
  • It has roots in various languages, including Old Norse 'hverfa', meaning 'to turn or spin'.
  • The concept of spinning has been part of language for centuries, reflecting the importance of movement in nature.

The word 'whirling' originated from the Middle English word 'whirlyng', which is derived from the Old English word 'hwyrflung'. The concept of rapid rotating movement has been represented by this word for centuries, symbolizing both physical and metaphorical spinning.

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

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,686, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.