n.
Pronunciation: ' hw ə r(- ə )l, ' w ə r(- ə )l
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse hvirfla to whirl; akin to Old High German wirbil whirlwind, Old English hweorfan to turn ― more at WHARF
Date: 14th century
intransitive verb
1 : to move in a circle or similar curve especially with force or speed
2 a : to turn on or around an axis like a wheel : ROTATE b : to turn abruptly around or aside : WHEEL < whirl ed around in surprise>
3 : to pass, move, or go quickly < whirl ed down the hallway>
4 : to become giddy or dizzy : REEL <my head is whirl ing >
transitive verb
1 : to drive, impel, or convey with or as if with a rotary motion
2 a : to cause to turn usually rapidly on or around an axis : ROTATE b : to cause to turn abruptly around or aside
3 obsolete : to throw or hurl violently with a revolving motion
– whirl · er \ ' hw ə r-l ə r, ' w ə r- \ noun