v. & n.
--v.
1. tr. & intr. swing round and round; revolve rapidly.
2 tr. & intr. (foll. by away) convey or go rapidly in a vehicle etc.
3 tr. & intr. send or travel swiftly in an orbit or a curve.
4 intr. a (of the brain, senses, etc.) seem to spin round. b (of thoughts etc.) be confused; follow each other in bewildering succession.
--n.
1. a whirling movement (vanished in a whirl of dust).
2 a state of intense activity (the social whirl).
3 a state of confusion (my mind is in a whirl).
4 colloq. an attempt (give it a whirl).
Phrases and idioms:
whirling dervish see DERVISH.
Derivatives:
whirler n. whirlingly adv.
Etymology: ME: (v.) f. ON hvirfla: (n.) f. MLG & MDu. wervel spindle & ON hvirfill circle f. Gmc