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purl
1or pearl
[ purl ]
/ pɜrl /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used with or without object)
to knit with a reverse stitch.
to finish with loops or a looped edging.
noun
a basic stitch in knitting, the reverse of the knit, formed by pulling a loop of the working yarn back through an existing stitch and then slipping that stitch off the needle.Compare knit (def. 11).
one of a series of small loops along the edge of lace braid.
thread made of twisted gold or silver wire.
QUIZ
ARE YOU A TRUE BLUE CHAMPION OF THESE "BLUE" SYNONYMS?
We could talk until we're blue in the face about this quiz on words for the color "blue," but we think you should take the quiz and find out if you're a whiz at these colorful terms.
Question 1 of 8
Which of the following words describes “sky blue”?
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Origin of purl
1First recorded in 1520–30; variant of obsolete or dial. pirl to twist (threads, etc.) into a cord
Words nearby purl
Other definitions for purl (2 of 2)
purl2
[ purl ]
/ pɜrl /
verb (used without object)
to flow with curling or rippling motion, as a shallow stream does over stones.
to flow with a murmuring sound.
to pass in a manner or with a sound likened to this.
noun
the action or sound of purling.
a circle or curl made by the motion of water; ripple; eddy.
Origin of purl
21545–55; origin uncertain; akin to Norwegian purla to bubble up, gush
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use purl in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for purl (1 of 2)
purl1
/ (pɜːl) /
noun
Also called: purl stitch a knitting stitch made by doing a plain stitch backwards
a decorative border, as of lace
gold or silver wire thread
verb
to knit (a row or garment) in purl stitch
to edge (something) with a purl
Also (for senses 2, 3, 5): pearl
Word Origin for purl
C16: from dialect pirl to twist into a cord
British Dictionary definitions for purl (2 of 2)
purl2
/ (pɜːl) /
verb
(intr) (of a stream, etc) to flow with a gentle curling or rippling movement and a murmuring sound
noun
a curling movement of water; eddy
a murmuring sound, as of a shallow stream
Word Origin for purl
C16: related to Norwegian purla to bubble
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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