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| whirl [ wurl, hwurl ] |
verb (past and past participle whirled, present participle whirl·ing, 3rd person present singular whirls) |
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| Definition: |
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1. transitive and intransitive verb turn or spin rapidly: to turn or spin very quickly, or make something do this
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2. transitive and intransitive verb move while turning quickly: to move along while turning or spinning very quickly, or make something do this
  The dancers whirled around the floor.
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3. intransitive verb feel dizzy or confused: to seem to spin with dizziness, confusion, or excitement
So much information at one time made my head whirl.
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4. transitive and intransitive verb move very fast: to move very quickly on a straight or curved course, or make something do this
Cars whirled past on the highway.
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noun (plural whirls) |
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| Definition: |
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1. spinning motion: a rapid turning or spinning movement
The whirl of the top was mesmerizing.
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2. something that whirls: something that moves or is moved with a rapid circular or spiral motion
Whirls of dust filled the air.
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3. sensation of spinning: a spinning sensation caused, e.g. by dizziness, confusion, or excitement
So much good luck had my head in a whirl.
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4. quick succession of events: the bustling activity of an endless series of events or engagements
the whirl and bustle of a large city
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5. brief trip or ride: a short trip, ride, or dance
(
informal
)
Let's go for a whirl in my new car.
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| [13th century. Probably < Old Norse hvirfla< Indo-European, "turn around"] |
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| whirl·er noun |
| whirl·y adjective |
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give something a whirl to have a try at something (informal)
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