swirl

1 of 2

verb

ˈswər(-ə)l 

swirled; swirling; swirls

intransitive verb

1

a

: to move with an eddying or whirling motion

swirling water

b

: to pass in whirling confusion

2

: to have a twist or convolution

transitive verb

: to cause to swirl

swirled her drink

swirlingly

ˈswər-liŋ-lē 

adverb

swirl

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: a whirling mass or motion : eddy

b

: whirling confusion

a swirl of events

2

: a twisting shape, mark, or pattern

3

: an act or instance of swirling

Synonyms of swirl

Verb

• stir

Examples of swirl in a Sentence

Verb

The water swirled around the drain.

kept swirling her lemonade until the ice had melted and it was completely watered down

Noun

A swirl of smoke rose from the chimney.

He painted swirls of color on the canvas.

ice cream with chocolate swirls

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The swirling foam and the crashing white water behind him resemble a snow avalanche. — Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Tropical Storm Moke was swirling past Hawaii on Sunday, close enough to dump heavy rain on Big Island communities in the aftermath of Hurricane Lala. — ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026

Noun

In one play, there was relief, there was redemption, and there was a swirl of emotion. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 22 Aug. 2026

Add a pat of butter or squiggle of olive oil and swirl to coat the pan. — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for swirl

• burl
• churl
• earl
• girl
• hurl
• merl
• merle
• perle
• twirl
• whirl
• whorl
• cowgirl

Kids Definition

swirl

1 of 2 noun

ˈswər(-ə)l 

1

: a whirling mass or motion : eddy

2

: whirling confusion

lost in the swirl of events

3

: a twisting shape, mark, or pattern

swirl

2 of 2 verb

1

: to move with or pass in a swirl

2

: to be marked with or arranged in swirls

3

: to cause to swirl

swirlingly

ˈswər-liŋ-lē

adverb