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
ALL IN FAVO(U)R OF THIS BRITISH VS. AMERICAN ENGLISH QUIZ
There's an ocean of difference between the way people speak English in the US vs. the UK. Are your language skills up to the task of telling the difference? Let's find out!
Question 1 of 7
True or false? British English and American English are only different when it comes to slang words.
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. 2023
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