swirl

[swurl]

verb (used without object)

1. to move around or along with a whirling motion; whirl; eddy.

2. to be dizzy or giddy, as the head.

   Synonyms: spin, reel

verb (used with object)

1. to cause to whirl; twist.

noun

1. a swirling movement; whirl; eddy.

2. a twist, as of hair around the head or of trimming on a hat.

3. any curving, twisting line, shape, or form.

4. confusion; disorder.

swirl

/ swɜːl /

verb

1. to turn or cause to turn in a twisting spinning fashion

2. (intr) to be dizzy; swim

   my head was swirling

noun

1. a whirling or spinning motion, esp in water

2. a whorl; curl

3. the act of swirling or stirring

4. dizzy confusion

Other Word Forms

• swirlingly adverb
• outswirl verb (used with object)
• swirling adjective
• swirly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of swirl¹

1375–1425; late Middle English (north) < Scandinavian; compare Norwegian svirla; cognate with Dutch zwirrelen to whirl, German (dial.) schwirrlen to totter; all < a root *swir- (whence Danish svirre to whirl, German schwirren to whir) + -l- frequentative suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of swirl¹

C15: probably from Dutch zwirrelen; related to Norwegian svirla, German schwirren

Example Sentences

Macron, who has been in office since 2017, was captured on video walking alone by the River Seine in Paris on Monday, followed by his bodyguards, as the latest crisis swirled around his presidency.

From BBC

With speculation swirling about a leadership challenge, Sir Keir also appealed for unity, saying the UK has not faced "a proposition like Reform before" and needed to fight for "the soul of this country".

From BBC

The sculptures and drawings are both made up of seemingly endless loops of swirls, squigles and strands.

From BBC

As the AI images spread and rumors swirled, Grant also took it upon herself to address the speculation.

From Los Angeles Times

There's plenty heat swirling around the club from the stands, and that was before they touched down in the Serbian capital.

From BBC

Related Words

• boil 
• churn 
• roil 
• twirl 
• whirl