I. ˈswərl, esp before pause or consonant ˈswər.əl; ˈswə̄l, ˈswəil noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English (Scots); probably of imitative origin
1.
a. : a whirling mass or motion (as of water, air, dust) : eddy , vortex
b. : a state of whirling confusion
a swirl of voices
swirl of events
2. : a spiraling shape or mark (as on fur or in the grain of wood) suggesting an eddy : convolution
icing … spread in rich creamy swirls — Patricia Benn
3. : an act or instance of swirling
filled my glass … and gave it a gentle swirl to spread the bouquet — Joseph Wechsberg
the swirl and splash of pickerel — American Guide Series: Maine
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to move with an eddying or whirling motion
water that heaved and swirled and gurgled as the ferries slid in and out — Thomas Wood †1950
b. : to flow turbulently as if in eddies : pass in whirling confusion
a topic about which there has swirled much talk and few facts — C.R.Rogers
2. : to have a twist or convolution
prefers back hair … luxuriant enough to swirl snugly across the back — Lois Long
transitive verb
: to cause to swirl
swirled the brandy around in the huge goblet — J.B.Benefield
Synonyms: see turn