swirl
[ swurl ]
/ swɜrl /
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
Nearby words
Origin of swirl
1375–1425; 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
Related forms
swirl·ing·ly, adverbout·swirl, verb (used with object)Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for swirl
British Dictionary definitions for swirl
swirl
/ (swɜːl) /
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
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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