# swirl

/ˈswɝɫ/ (US) · /swˈɜːl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

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

## Definition

to move quickly in a circle. You use this to describe liquids, smoke, or patterns that twist around.

For teachers: to move in a twisting or spiralling pattern. Often describes the motion of fluids, gases, or visual motifs.

## Examples

- The cream begins to swirl in the coffee.
- Autumn leaves swirl around the park as the wind picks up speed before the storm.
- Mist began to swirl around the mountain peaks, obscuring the path and forcing the hikers to rely entirely on their compasses for navigation.

## Usage notes

- Often used intransitively, but can be transitive when an agent causes the motion ('she swirled the wine').

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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.