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swirl
[ swurl ]
/ swÉrl /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used without object)
to move around or along with a whirling motion; whirl; eddy.
to be dizzy or giddy, as the head.
verb (used with object)
to cause to whirl; twist.
noun
QUIZ
QUIZ YOURSELF ON "WAS" VS. "WERE"!
Were you ready for a quiz on this topic? Well, here it is! See how well you can differentiate between the uses of "was" vs. "were" in this quiz.
Question 1 of 7
âWasâ is used for the indicative past tense of âto be,â and âwereâ is only used for the subjunctive past tense.
Origin of swirl
1375â1425; late Middle English (north) <Scandinavian; compare Norwegian svirla; cognate with Dutch zwirrelen to whirl, German (dial.) schwirrlen to totter; all < a root *swir- (whence Danish svirre to whirl, German schwirren to whir) + -l- frequentative suffix
OTHER WORDS FROM swirl
swirl·ing·ly, adverboutswirl, verb (used with object)Words nearby swirl
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use swirl in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for swirl
swirl
/ (swÉËl) /
verb
to turn or cause to turn in a twisting spinning fashion
(intr) to be dizzy; swimmy head was swirling
noun
a whirling or spinning motion, esp in water
a whorl; curl
the act of swirling or stirring
dizzy confusion
Derived forms of swirl
swirling, adjectiveswirlingly, adverbswirly, adjectiveWord Origin for swirl
C15: probably from Dutch zwirrelen; related to Norwegian svirla, German schwirren
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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