whirled
/wɜːl/ (bre, ipa) · [wˈɚld] /wɝːl/ (ame, ipa) · [wˈɚld] /ˈ(h)wər(-ə)l How to pronounce whirl (audio)/ (ame, mw)
whirled — verb
- whirledpresent simple I / you / we / they
- whirleds3rd person singular
- whirleding-ing form
- whirlededpast simple
1. to move around and around quickly in circles, or to cause someone or something t
to move around and around quickly in circles, or to cause someone or something to move in this way
The autumn leaves whirled in the cold wind before landing on the wet path.
intransitive use with prepositional phrase describing location
Mei whirled the silk scarf above her head as she danced across the studio.
transitive use with object and adverb phrase
Diego whirled around when he heard someone shout his name from behind.
The little girl whirled her red umbrella round and round in the rain.
- spin
the closest synonym; spin can be slower and more controlled, while whirl suggests more speed and less control
- twirl
more deliberate and often playful, often done by a person; whirl can be accidental or natural
- revolve
much slower and more regular; used for planets, machinery, not for sudden movement
- stop
to cease moving; the opposite of beginning to spin
文法句型
whirl + adverb/preposition (intransitive)
whirl + object + adverb/preposition (transitive)
用法筆記
When used intransitively, the subject is typically something that can spin easily (leaves, dancers, blades). When used transitively, the object is usually something long or flexible that can be swung in circles (a scarf, a baton, a cape).
常見錯誤
whirled — noun
1. the action or sound of something spinning quickly, or an object that spins in su
the action or sound of something spinning quickly, or an object that spins in such a way
The whirl of the helicopter blades echoed through the entire valley.
whirl + of + [mechanical object] for the sound of rotation
Sofia felt a whirl of dust rise around her as the truck drove away.
Kenji watched the gentle whirl of snowflakes outside the kitchen window.
The dancer finished her routine with a quick whirl that made the audience clap.
文法句型
the whirl + of + noun
a whirl + of + noun
用法筆記
Can be either uncountable (the general action: 'the whirl of machinery') or countable (a single instance: 'she did a quick whirl'). The uncountable form often describes a continuous sound or sustained motion.
2. a fast-paced series of events or activities that feel exciting and often tiring
a fast-paced series of events or activities that feel exciting and often tiring
After the whirl of wedding preparations, Fatima finally sat down to rest.
whirl + of + [activity noun] for a busy period
The whirl of parties and meetings during fashion week left everyone exhausted.
Liam was caught up in a whirl of media interviews after winning the prize.
The first week of college was a whirl of new faces and unfamiliar buildings.
- calm
quiet and stillness; the opposite of a whirl of activity
文法句型
a whirl + of + [activity noun]
用法筆記
Nearly always found in the pattern 'a whirl of [something]' describing social or professional activity. Common with words like parties, meetings, preparations, events, and activities. Use this sense to emphasize speed and excitement rather than stress.
3. a short try or test of something new, especially to see whether you enjoy it or
a short try or test of something new, especially to see whether you enjoy it or are able to do it
I have never tried surfing, but I will give it a whirl this summer.
idiomatic phrase: 'give it a whirl' meaning to try something briefly
The chef decided to give the new recipe a whirl at the weekend tasting event.
'Have you ever tried rock climbing?' — 'No, but I will give it a whirl.'
The studio gave the young director a whirl with a small-budget documentary film.
文法句型
give + object + a whirl
give it a whirl
用法筆記
Almost exclusively used in the fixed expression 'give (something) a whirl,' which means to try something briefly or experimentally. The something can be an activity, a new method, or even a person being given a chance. Not used in formal writing.