whirling
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈwɜːr.lɪŋ/
KK: /ˈhwɜr.lɪŋ/
adjective
Definition
Describing something that is spinning or moving rapidly in circles.
Example
The leaves were whirling in the wind during the storm.
Conversation
Did you see the leaves whirling around in the wind earlier?
Yeah, it looked really beautiful!
It reminded me of how much I love fall.
Same here! The whirling colors are just stunning.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
spinning
twirling
rotating
Antonyms
stationary
still
fixed
noun
Definition
The action of spinning or rotating rapidly around a central point.
Example
The leaves were caught in a whirling dance as the wind blew.
Conversation
Did you see the leaves whirling around in the wind today?
Yeah, it looked so beautiful and chaotic at the same time.
I love when the seasons change and the whirling begins.
verb
Definition
To move rapidly in a circular or spiral motion.
Example
The leaves were whirling in the wind during the storm.
Tense Forms
Past: whirled
Past Participle: whirled
Conversation
Did you see the leaves whirling in the wind today?
Yeah, it looked so beautiful and chaotic!
I love watching them whirling around during autumn.
Root Explanation
Whirling is derived from the Old English 'hwierlan' (meaning to turn or spin) and the suffix '-ing' (indicating the action or process of). The word 'whirling' describes the action of turning or spinning rapidly.
Memory Tip
Imagine something that is 'turning' or 'spinning' quickly — that's what 'whirling' means.
Visually Confused Words
wirling
whitling
whimling
whigling
thirling
hireling
wiring
whittling