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1

purl

noun \ ˈpər(-ə)l \

Definition of purl

1 : gold or silver thread or wire for embroidering or edging
2 : the intertwisting of thread that knots a stitch usually along an edge
3 : purl stitch

Origin and Etymology of purl

Middle English

2

purl

verb

Definition of purl

purled; purling; purls
transitive verb
1 a : to embroider with gold or silver thread
b : to edge or border with gold or silver embroidery
2 : to knit in purl stitch
intransitive verb
: to do knitting in purl stitch

First Known Use of purl

1518

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

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3

purl

noun

Definition of purl

1 : a purling or swirling stream or rill
2 : a gentle murmur or movement (as of purling water)

Origin and Etymology of purl

perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Norwegian purla to ripple

4

purl

verb

Definition of purl

purled; purling; purls
intransitive verb
1 : eddy, swirl
2 : to make a soft murmuring sound like that of a purling stream

First Known Use of purl

circa 1586

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Learn More about purl

  1. See words that rhyme with purl Spanish Central: Translation of purl Nglish: Translation of purl for Spanish speakers

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