awhirl

[ uh-hwurl, uh-wurl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

rotating rapidly; spinning; whirling (usually used predicatively):
dancers awhirl to the strains of a lively waltz.

Origin of awhirl¹

First recorded in 1880–85; a- ¹ + whirl

We all stood to the toast, I with my blood a-tingle and my brain awhirl, so that I scarce knew what I did.

Soon after this Bones came blithely up from the beach and across the parade-ground, his large pipe in his mouth, his cane awhirl.

I slept but little that night; my brain was awhirl with many thoughts.

While she waited, her wits awhirl, Joan mechanically pinned on her hat.

Somehow Hal got out of the room, his mind awhirl, to await her downstairs.

Browse