birr
1[bur]
noun
force; energy; vigor.
emphasis in statement, speech, etc.
a whirring sound.
verb (used without object)
to move with or make a whirring sound.
Origin of birr
11275–1325; Middle English bire, bur, Old English byre strong wind; cognate with Icelandic byrr favorable wind; akin to bear1
birr
2[beer]
noun, plural birr.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Related Words for birr
vigor, potency, zest, zip, pep, vitality, stamina, fortitude, verve, gusto, starch, efficiency, capability, efficacy, agility, strength, ability, endurance, quickness, intensityExamples from the Web for birr
Historical Examples of birr
When the British Tommies heard the "birr" of the five-inch Canadian shells they all asked whose they were.
The Red WatchJ. A. Currie
Once he heard the birr of his father's voice in the lobby and his mother speaking in shrill protest, and then—oh, horror!
The House with the Green ShuttersGeorge Douglas Brown
His great reflector, built in his own grounds at Birr Castle, Ireland, was finished in 1844.
A quick run of nine miles brings us to the quaint old city of Birr, just as the night closes in.
Wanderings in IrelandMichael Myers Shoemaker
Birr is the very centre of Ireland, and probably takes airs to herself in consequence.
Wanderings in IrelandMichael Myers Shoemaker
birr
1verb
noun
Word Origin for birr
Old English byre storm, related to Old Norse byrr favourable wind
birr
2noun
Word Origin for birr
C20: from Amharic
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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