churn

[churn]

noun

1. a container or machine in which cream or milk is agitated to make butter.

2. any of various containers or machines similar in shape or action to a butter churn, as a device for mixing beverages.

3. British.,  a large milk can.

4. an act of churning stocks by a stockbroker.

5. churn rate.

verb (used with object)

1. to agitate in order to make into butter.

   to churn cream.

2. to make (butter) by the agitation of cream.

3. to shake or agitate with violence or continued motion.

   The storm churned the sea.

   Synonyms: convulse, toss, whip

4. to turn over and over in the mind.

   His brain slowly churned all the choices and possibilities.

5. (of a stockbroker) to trade (a customer's securities) excessively in order to earn more in commissions.

verb (used without object)

1. to operate a churn.

2. to move or shake in agitation, as a liquid or any loose matter.

   The leaves churned along the ground.

3. to be changing rapidly or be in a confused state.

   Her emotions churned as she viewed the horrific photos.

4. to have a queasy feeling, as from anxiety or disgust.

   My insides were churning at the thought of being on stage.

5. (of a stockbroker) to engage in the practice of churning.

verb phrase

1. churn out,  to produce mechanically, hurriedly, or routinely.

   He was hired to churn out verses for greeting cards.

churn

/ tʃɜːn /

noun

1. a large container for milk

2. a vessel or machine in which cream or whole milk is vigorously agitated to produce butter

3. any similar device

4. the number of customers who switch from one supplier to another

verb

1. 1. to stir or agitate (milk or cream) in order to make butter

   2. to make (butter) by this process

2. (sometimes foll by up) to move or cause to move with agitation

   ideas churned in his head

3. (of a bank, broker, etc) to encourage an investor or policyholder to change investments, endowment policies, etc, to increase commissions at the client's expense

4. (of a government) to pay benefits to a wide category of people and claw it back by taxation from the well off

5. to promote the turnover of existing subscribers leasing, and new subscribers joining, a cable television system or mobile phone company

Other Word Forms

• churner noun
• churnable adjective
• churnability noun
• unchurn verb (used with object)
• unchurned adjective
• well-churned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of churn¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English noun chirne, cherne, Old English cyrne cyr(i)n; cognate with Middle Low German kerne, Old Norse kjarni, kirna

Word History and Origins

Origin of churn¹

Old English ciern; related to Old Norse kjarni, Middle Low German kerne churn, German dialect Kern cream

Example Sentences

Since then, Macron has churned through three different prime ministers, struggling to pass annual budgets and narrow the country’s yawning deficit.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

This churn is the result of a bundle of policies and institutions that encourage innovation at the firm level, and protects yesterday’s innovators without making them entrenched.

Read more on Barron's

She is campaigning mostly on economic issues, churning out policy plans full of vague aspirations.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The factory started churning out cars last fall, a year earlier than planned.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The ceaseless churn of NBA gossip and debate can feel larger than the game itself; it’s not uncommon for a trade rumor, quote or perceived insult to consume a news cycle.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• boil 
• bubble 
• simmer 
• swirl