purl

noun (1)

\ ˈpər(-ə)l

How to pronounce purl (audio)

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Definition of purl

(Entry 1 of 4)

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

purl

verb (1)

purled; purling; purls

Definition of purl (Entry 2 of 4)

transitive verb

1a : 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

purl

noun (2)

Definition of purl (Entry 3 of 4)

1 : a purling or swirling stream or rill

2 : a gentle murmur or movement (as of purling water)

purl

verb (2)

purled; purling; purls

Definition of purl (Entry 4 of 4)

intransitive verb

1 : eddy, swirl

2 : to make a soft murmuring sound like that of a purling stream

First Known Use of purl

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

1518, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun (2)

circa 1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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WORD OF THE DAY

nonpareil

having no equal

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