chiefly Scottish
as in to drink
to take part in drunken revelry spent a good part of his time in Edinburgh birling into the wee small hours of the night

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of birl There was sea salt in the air, and sleepless seagulls were birling in the darkness overhead. Douglas Stuart, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2020 Another, unable to reach dry land, dug his spiked boots into a slippery timber and birled downriver. Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, 16 Feb. 2019 In some parts of the United States, birling contests are annual events. Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, 16 Feb. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for birl
Verb
  • This advisory is in effect until Friday at 9 p.m. NWS Heat Wave Safety Advice: Protect yourself with these recommendations Stay hydrated: Keep yourself well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2025
  • The event will include food, drink, a concert and more.
    La Jolla Light, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • After all that carousing, Chalamet, 29, managed to show up all smiles on race day on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in MiamI Gardens.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 5 May 2025
  • Some allegedly caroused until dawn.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Milan’s Chukwueze revelled on this stage, exciting fans further with a number skilful runs on the ball.
    Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 1 June 2025
  • First up, while people are revelling following the verdict, the emotional intensity of reaction can be traced to a sense of loss.
    Callum Booth, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Her love of science came from watching PBS shows as a kid with her mom and spending too much time binging Doctor Who.
    Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 23 May 2025
  • What's a better way to spend Mother's Day weekend than to binge a new show or movie either with your mom, your kid (only not all of these, please) or just by yourself?
    Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Image Image In the village of Midsomer Norton, about 50 miles away, 100 people or so turned out for a community event to wassail three small apple trees in the local park.
    Stephen Castle, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025
  • This drink was often used as part of wassailing in England.
    BHG Test Kitchen, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 June 2023

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Cite this Entry

“Birl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/birl. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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