churns; churned; churning
1
: to stir or mix something (such as water or mud) with force
The motorboats churned the water.
—often + upThe horse's hooves churned up the sod.
The water churned all around us.
2
: to move in a circle : turn
The wheels/gears began to slowly churn.
3
: to make (butter) by stirring or shaking cream in a churn
He showed them how to churn butter.
4
: to experience a lot of confused activity
My mind was churning as I tried to think of what to say.
Her emotions were churning inside her.
Note: If your stomach churns or something churns your stomach, you feel sick from nervousness, disgust, etc.
Cite this Entry
“Churn.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/churn. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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