awhirl

[ uh-hwurl, uh-wurl ]

/ əˈʰwɜrl, əˈwɜrl /

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adjective

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

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of awhirl

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

Words nearby awhirl

awfully, awhato, awheel, awhile, a while back, awhirl, whole new ballgame, a, awkward, awkward age, awl, awless

How to use awhirl in a sentence

We all stood to the toast, I with my blood a-tingle and my brain awhirl, so that I scarce knew what I did.
Richard Carvel, Complete|Winston Churchill
Soon after this Bones came blithely up from the beach and across the parade-ground, his large pipe in his mouth, his cane awhirl.
The Keepers of the King's Peace|Edgar Wallace
I slept but little that night; my brain was awhirl with many thoughts.
Dead Man's Love|Tom Gallon
While she waited, her wits awhirl, Joan mechanically pinned on her hat.
Joan Thursday|Louis Joseph Vance

Somehow Hal got out of the room, his mind awhirl, to await her downstairs.
The Clarion|Samuel Hopkins Adams