swirl
verb (used without object)
to move around or along with a whirling motion; whirl; eddy.
had swirled
-
past perfectof swirl.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The announcement of Savannah Guthrie’s return puts to bed rumors of a potential exit that had swirled since her mother’s disappearance.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 27, 2026
Doubts had swirled about the fate of the negotiations after a report earlier Wednesday that the talks between the bitter foes were falling apart due to disagreements about the format and the venue.
From Barron's ● Feb. 4, 2026
Questions had swirled about whether Dawson City's new council, which was elected in late October, would be able to sit if they refused to take the oath.
From BBC ● Nov. 29, 2024
When Catherine, Princess of Wales, announced that she had been diagnosed with cancer last month, it seemed to quell the rumors that had swirled over her stepping back from public life.
From New York Times ● Apr. 4, 2024
A thick fog had swirled in, they'd strayed from the road, and trees had closed in on them.
From "The Whipping Boy" by Sid Fleischman
