whirl

verb

ˈ(h)wər(-ə)l 

whirled; whirling; whirls

intransitive verb

1

: to move in a circle or similar curve especially with force or speed

2

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 verb

1

: to drive, impel, or convey with or as if with a rotary motion

2

a

: to cause to turn usually rapidly on or around an axis : rotate

b

: to cause to turn abruptly around or aside

3

obsolete : to throw or hurl violently with a revolving motion

whirler

ˈ(h)wər-lər 

noun

Synonyms of whirl

• stir
• swirl

Examples of whirl in a Sentence

The cars were whirling around the track.

Clothes were whirling in the washing machine.

The water whirled around the drain.

Her dance partner whirled her around.

Recent Examples on the Web

After seeing his parents vanquished, young Adam is quickly sent by the Sorceress (Morena Baccarin) with his all-powerful sword whirling away to Earth. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 2 June 2026

So Anikpo, a psychiatric physician assistant, didn't think to discuss the crackdown with their 9-year-old son Zeke, even as helicopters whirled over their South Minneapolis neighborhood. —ABC News, 28 May 2026

Admittedly, on its best day, Penn Station feels like a whirling dervish. —Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 28 May 2026

Firefighters witnessed a rare ‘ash devil’ while battling the Trinity fire in San Bernardino County — a whirling column of hot ash and embers created when rising heat meets shifting winds. —Blanca Begert, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2026

Word History

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

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing whirl

• give (something) a whirl
• the social whirl

Rhymes for whirl

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

Kids Definition

whirl

1 of 2 verb

ˈhwər(-ə)l 

ˈwər(-ə)l

1

: to move or drive in a circle or curve especially with force or speed

cars whirling around the track

2

a

: to turn rapidly in circles : spin

b

: to turn abruptly : wheel

whirled around in surprise

3

: to move or go quickly

whirled down the street

4

: to become dizzy : reel

my head is whirling

whirler

ˈhwər-lər 

ˈwər-

noun

whirl

2 of 2 noun

1

a

: a rapid whirling movement

b

: something whirling

a whirl of dust

2

a

: a state of busy movement : bustle

a whirl of activity

b

: a confused mental state

3

: an experimental attempt : try

gave it a whirl