This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
birr
1[ bur ]
/ bɜr /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
force; energy; vigor.
emphasis in statement, speech, etc.
a whirring sound.
verb (used without object)
to move with or make a whirring sound.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Origin of birr
11275–1325; Middle English bire, bur,Old English byre strong wind; cognate with Icelandic byrr favorable wind; akin to bear1
Words nearby birr
birne, Biro, Birobidzhan, biromantic, birota, birr, birrus, birse, birth, birth canal, birth certificate
Other definitions for birr (2 of 2)
birr2
[ beer ]
/ bɪər /
noun, plural birr.
a paper money, silver coin, and monetary unit of Ethiopia, equal to 100 cents: replaced the Ethiopian dollar in 1976.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use birr in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for birr (1 of 2)
birr1
/ (bɜː) mainly US and Scot /
verb
to make or cause to make a whirring sound
noun
a whirring sound
force, as of wind
vigour; energy
Word Origin for birr
Old English byre storm, related to Old Norse byrr favourable wind
British Dictionary definitions for birr (2 of 2)
birr2
/ (bɜː) /
noun
the standard monetary unit of Ethiopia, divided into 100 cents
Word Origin for birr
C20: from Amharic
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012