ENGLISH
REFERENCE

churning

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈtʃɝnɪŋ// UK //tʃˈɜːnɪŋ// churn·ing

adj. moving around violently or feeling very sick. You use this to describe water that is moving in circles or a stomach that feels upset.

adj. characterised by violent agitation or swirling motion. Often describes liquid or a physical sensation of nausea in the stomach.


SIMPLE

The churning water made the boat rock.

CONTEXTUAL

He looked out at the churning sea and decided it was too dangerous to swim.

COMPLEX

The athlete stood at the starting line with a churning stomach, trying to focus on her breathing despite the overwhelming pressure of the final race.

Synonyms
Usage

Often used as a participial adjective before a noun or after a linking verb like 'feel'.

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