# churning

/ˈtʃɝnɪŋ/ (US) · /tʃˈɜːnɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/churning
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

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

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

## Examples

- The churning water made the boat rock.
- He looked out at the churning sea and decided it was too dangerous to swim.
- 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.

## Usage notes

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

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.