Whirling
/ˈwɜːrlɪŋ/
adjectiveverbB2present participle
Definition
Whirling describes something that is moving around very fast in a circle or spinning motion. It can be used for things like a spinning top or leaves blown by the wind. It also describes a feeling when your thoughts or the situation feels very fast and confusing.
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See It in Action
Moving in a fast circular motion
- •The leaves were whirling in the wind during the storm.
- •The dancer was whirling gracefully across the stage.
- •The children enjoyed whirling around on the playground merry-go-round.
Feeling or situation that is fast and confusing
- •Her mind was whirling with so many thoughts after the exam.
- •The city streets were whirling with activity during the festival.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "whirling" like "turning," but much faster and continuous, like a spinning top that doesn’t stop easily
- ✓Picture a dancer spinning quickly on one foot or leaves flying in a small tornado
- ✓It’s the dizzy feeling you get when you spin around too fast or when your thoughts feel mixed up and fast
- ✓Sounds like "WHIRL-ing" → imagine a whirlpool in water that pulls things around in circles
- ✓Remember carnival rides that spin fast, making you feel excited and dizzy at the same time
- ✓NOT like "turn" (a simple, slow movement), "whirling" is fast, continuous spinning
- ✓NOT like "shake" (back and forth movement), "whirling" is circular motion
- ✓NOT like "still" (not moving), "whirling" means fast movement all around
Try Other Words
- •Spinning: moving around in circles (Use when describing slower or more controlled circular movement)
- •Twirling: spinning lightly or playfully (Use for gentle or graceful spinning, often with hands or small objects)
- •Revolving: moving around a center point (Use for larger or slower circular movement, like planets or wheels)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: root "whirl" + suffix "-ing" (shows action or state happening now)
- •Etymology: "whirl" comes from Old English "hweorflian," meaning to turn or spin rapidly
- •Historical development: Used since Old English times to describe spinning or rapid turning
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe fast circular movement in objects and feelings of confusion or excitement
Reflect & Connect
•How do you feel when something around you is whirling quickly? Does it make you excited or dizzy?
•Can you think of a time when your mind was whirling with many thoughts? What helped you calm down?
Fill in the blanks
1.The leaves were whirling ___ the garden because of the strong wind.
2.When she started whirling on the dance floor, everyone ___ to watch her.
3.His mind was whirling ___ ideas after hearing the surprising news.
4.Unlike a slow turn, whirling means moving ___ and without stopping.
5.The children laughed as they kept whirling ___ on the playground carousel.
6.When things are whirling too fast, people often feel ___ or confused.
7.The fans were whirling ___ to cool the room during the hot summer day.