Main Entry:

¹whirl

Pronunciation:

\ˈhwər(-ə)l, ˈwər(-ə)l\

Function:

verb

Etymology:

Middle English, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse hvirfla to whirl; akin to Old High German wirbil whirlwind, Old English hweorfan to turn — more at wharf

Date:

14th century

intransitive verb1: to move in a circle or similar curve especially with force or speed2 a: to turn on or around an axis like a wheel : rotate b: to turn abruptly around or aside : wheel <whirled around in surprise>3: to pass, move, or go quickly <whirled down the hallway>4: to become giddy or dizzy : reel <my head is whirling>transitive verb1: to drive, impel, or convey with or as if with a rotary motion2 a: to cause to turn usually rapidly on or around an axis : rotate b: to cause to turn abruptly around or aside3obsolete : to throw or hurl violently with a revolving motion

— whirl·er \ˈhwər-lər, ˈwər-\ noun