EnglishMain Dictionary
whirl
Universal Words
verb, noun
verb
1 [usually +adv./prep.] to move, or make sb/sth move, around quickly in a circle or in a particular direction:
[V] Leaves whirled in the wind. * She whirled around to face him. * the whirling blades of the helicopter * [VN] Tom whirled her across the dance floor.
2 [V] if your mind, thoughts, etc. whirl, you feel confused and excited and cannot think clearly:
I couldn't sleep-my mind was whirling from all that had happened. * So many thoughts whirled around in her mind.
noun [sing.]
1 a movement of sth spinning round and round:
a whirl of dust * (figurative) Her mind was in a whirl (= in a state of confusion or excitement).
2 a number of activities or events happening one after the other:
Her life was one long whirl of parties. * It's easy to get caught up in the social whirl. * The next few hours passed by in a whirl of activity.
IDIOMS
give sth a whirl (informal) to try sth to see if you like it or can do it:
I'm not sure I'll like skiing, but I'll give it a whirl.