whirl
20 synonyms and 0 antonyms for whirl, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To spin or turn around quickly.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use whirl
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English whirlen, related to Old English hweorfan, "to turn" — the same root that eventually gave English the word "wharf".
Full origin of whirl →Frequently asked questions
What does “whirl” mean?
The word “whirl” means to spin or turn around quickly. In plain terms, to spin quickly, or a state of rapid, confusing activity.
How do you pronounce “whirl”?
“Whirl” is pronounced wurl (/(h)wɝl/ in IPA).
How do you use “whirl” in a sentence?
Here is “whirl” used in a sentence: “The dancers whirled across the floor to the music.”
What part of speech is “whirl”?
Depending on how it is used, “whirl” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “whirl” come from?
The word “whirl” comes from Old English. From Middle English whirlen, related to Old English hweorfan, "to turn" — the same root that eventually gave English the word "wharf".
How many meanings does “whirl” have?
“Whirl” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to spin or turn around quickly.