birl

verb (1)

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\ ˈbər(-ə)l

, Scotland also ˈbir(-ə)l \

birled; birling; birls

Definition of birl

(Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

chiefly Scotland

: carouse

birl

verb (2)

birled; birling; birls

Definition of birl (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : spin

2 : to cause (a floating log) to rotate by treading

intransitive verb

: to progress by whirling

Other Words from birl Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More About birl

Examples of birl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb There was sea salt in the air, and sleepless seagulls were birling in the darkness overhead. — Douglas Stuart, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2020 Another, unable to reach dry land, dug his spiked boots into a slippery timber and birled downriver. — Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, 16 Feb. 2019 In some parts of the United States, birling contests are annual events. — Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, 16 Feb. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'birl.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.