whirl 1 of 2

Definition of whirlnext
1
as in rotation
a rapid turning about on an axis or central point the whirl of the mechanical ride made him dizzy

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2
3
4
as in try
an effort to do or accomplish something I'm pretty good at fixing things, so how about if I give it a whirl?

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whirl

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to stir
to cause (as a liquid) to move about in a circle especially repeatedly whirled the chocolate syrup into the milk with a spoon

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2
as in to spin
to move (something) in a curved or circular path on or as if on an axis the figure skater whirled his partner with effortless grace

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3
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5
as in to swim
to be in a confused state as if from being twirled around my mind whirled from all of the excitement

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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 whirl
Noun
The study detailing the creation and testing of the fire whirl has been published in the journal Fuel. New Atlas, 24 Feb. 2026 Five days later, the Olympic trade freeze will thaw, and the NHL trade market will gear up for one last whirl before the trade deadline hits on March 6. Thomas Drance, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
The journey started as a boy in Chicago, where sirens whirled through Rizzs’ neighborhood when the White Sox won the pennant in 1959. Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 27 Jan. 2026 The whole novel seems to whirl around that fact. Diana Arterian, Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for whirl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whirl
Noun
  • Jaquez and Smith are regulars in Miami’s bench rotation.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Carter has been in and out of coach Doug Christie rotation this season, appearing in only 26 games.
    March 10, Sacbee.com, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Supporters argue that maintaining a consistent time year-round would reduce confusion, improve safety and enhance productivity.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Likely in response to the confusion, prominent cleric Ayatollah Nasser Makarem Shirazi on Saturday urged Iran’s Assembly of Experts to act quickly to name a new supreme leader.
    Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Actor Timothee Chalamet’s recent statements about ballet and opera have caused a stir online, and some Atlanta arts institutions are responding to the controversy.
    Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 10 Mar. 2026
  • This is a great thing for stir-frying.
    Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Robinson, though, missed a potential go-ahead 3 and Duren's putback try bounced off the rim as time expired.
    CBS News, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The dish, created by food influencer Esther Lee (@biteswithesther), hit social media feeds earlier this week and is already generating buzz from followers who are antsy to give it a try.
    Joseph Erbentraut, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • While much is known about Taylor Swift's favorite lipsticks, rumors have swirled over the years about the star's signature scent.
    Rebecca Norris, InStyle, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Using a butter knife or thin metal spatula, gently swirl batters to marble (do not overmix).
    Maddy Bendgen, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The federal government has accused Bien-Amie of spinning a decades-long web of deceit involving multiple identities — and wives — to gain a green card and later American citizenship.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Stress on defensive play-callers who don’t want to spin a safety just to survive one receiver’s speed.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Shoppers can take advantage of rotating deals, instant savings offers, and lower prices on everyday essentials.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2026
  • In 2024, Addington was among multiple long snappers Miami rotated for a spot on the practice squad and three subsequent elevations to the roster, the maximum available for each, as Blake Ferguson was unavailable most of that season on the non-football illness list.
    David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Instead, the driver decided to speed away, police spokesman Christopher Bess said.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 15 Mar. 2026
  • The vehicle sped away from law enforcement after an officer activated their squad car's emergency lights and siren, according to officials.
    Nick Lentz, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Whirl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whirl. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

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