noun

purl

Purl (noun) means a particular stitch in knitting in which the working yarn is pulled through an existing stitch from front to back.

noun

A particular stitch in knitting in which the working yarn is pulled through an existing stitch from front to back.

The edge of lace trimmed with loops.

An embroidered and puckered border; a hem or fringe, often of gold or silver twist; also, a pleat or fold, as of a band.

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Etymology

Unknown; apparently related to Scots and dialect pirl (“twist, ripple, whirl, spin”), and possibly to Older Scots pyrl ("thrust or poke at"). Compare Venetan pirlo, an embellishment where the woven threads are twisted together. May be unrelated to purfle, though the meanings are similar.

Rhymes for purl

URL hurl curl

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of purl?

"purl" (noun) means a particular stitch in knitting in which the working yarn is pulled through an existing stitch from front to back.

What are the different meanings of purl?

"purl" has 3 main meanings: 1. A particular stitch in knitting in which the working yarn is pulled through an existing stitch from front to back; 2. The edge of lace trimmed with loops; 3. An embroidered and puckered border; a hem or fringe, often of gold or silver twist; also, a pleat or fold, as of a band.