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churn

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /tʃɜrn/

KK: /tʃɜrn/

intransitive verb
Definition

To move or mix something vigorously, often to create a product like butter from cream, or to describe a state of agitation or disturbance.


Example

The waves began to churn violently during the storm.


Tense Forms

Past: churned

Past Participle: churned


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever seen the ocean when the waves churn during a storm?
Sloth B
Yeah, it's really intense and kind of scary to watch.
Sloth A
I know! It makes my stomach churn just thinking about it.
Sloth B
But it's also fascinating to see nature's power like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
stir
agitate
turbulate
Antonyms
calm
settle
soothe
noun
Definition

A container or device used to mix or agitate cream or milk to make butter by separating the fat from the liquid.


Example

The farmer used a churn to make fresh butter from the cream.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever used a churn to make butter?
Sloth B
No, I haven't, but it sounds like a fun process!
Sloth A
It really is! You just shake the cream in the churn until it turns into butter.
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To stir or shake a liquid, especially milk or cream, to make butter or to mix thoroughly.


Example

She decided to churn the cream to make fresh butter for the bread.


Tense Forms

Past: churned

Past Participle: churned


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever tried to churn your own butter at home?
Sloth B
No, I haven't, but it sounds like a fun project!
Sloth A
It's actually pretty simple; you just need some cream and a good mixer to churn it.
Root Explanation

Churn → The word originates from Old English 'cyrnan', meaning to turn or to agitate. It describes the process of turning or agitating a liquid, especially in the context of making butter.

Memory Tip

Think of the Old English word for turning ('cyrnan') to remember that 'churn' means to turn or agitate a liquid.

Visually Confused Words
curn
chun
unchurn
rechurn
cothurn
huron
curin
chunk
Is this page helpful?
That sounds so satisfying, I should try it sometime.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
container
vessel
device
Antonyms
stillness
calm
quiet
Sloth B
I might give it a shot this weekend; it could be a tasty experiment!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
agitate
stir
whip
Antonyms
calm
settle
smooth