whirl
(hwûrl, wûrl)
[Middle English whirlen, probably from Old Norse hvirfla.]
verb: whirled, whirl·ing, whirls.
intransitive verb
- To revolve rapidly about a center or an axis. See synonyms at turn
- To rotate or spin rapidly: The dancer whirled across the stage.
- To turn rapidly, changing direction; wheel: She whirled around to face him.
- To have the sensation of spinning; reel: My head is whirling with data.
- To move circularly and rapidly in varied, random directions: The wind whirled across the steppes.
transitive verb
- To cause to rotate or turn rapidly: whirl a baton.
- To move or drive in a circular or curving course.
- To drive at high speed: whirled the motorcycle around the corner.
- Obsolete To hurl.
noun
- The act of rotating or revolving rapidly.
- Something, such as a cloud of dust, that whirls or is whirled.
- A state of confusion; tumult.
- A swift succession or round of events: the social whirl.
- A state of mental confusion or giddiness; dizziness: My head is in a whirl.
- Informal A short trip or ride.
- Informal A brief or experimental try: Let's give the plan a whirl.
derivatives
- whirĺer
- noun
