whirl

Everyday

1. To whirl is to turn or spin round and round very fast. tree →
2. To whirl is to move somewhere very quickly. tree →
3. A whirl is a fast spinning movement. tree →
4. If your head or mind is whirling, you feel confused because too much is happening. tree →
5. «Give it a whirl» means try something (informal). tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons, leaves whirl in the wind, and sycamore seeds whirl like helicopters as they fall. In stories, «the dancers whirled across the floor» and «her thoughts were in a whirl» show movement and excitement. In everyday talk, «Let's give it a whirl!» means let's try. Phrases: «in a whirl», «give it a whirl», «whirl around».

Examples

• The leaves whirled in the wind. tree →
• Sycamore seeds whirl down like little helicopters. tree →
• The dancer whirled around the stage. tree →
• My head was in a whirl after the busy day. tree →
• She whirled round when she heard her name. tree →
• I've never tried skating, but I'll give it a whirl. tree →
• The snow whirled past the window. tree →
• "What!" snarled the Wolf, whirling around. tree →

Note

Past: whirled. Similar: spin, twirl, swirl. «Whirlwind», «whirlpool», «whirligig» come from it. Do not confuse with «world» or «whorl».

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: In Sefer Yetzirah the ten Sefirot rush out and back like a whirlwind, and the tradition reads this as the constant motion of creation toward God and returning to Him. In the primary lessons: In science lessons, leaves whirl in the wind, and sycamore seeds whirl like helicopters as they fall. In stories, «the dancers whirled across the floor» and «her thoughts were in a whirl» show movement and excitement. In everyday talk, «Let's give it a whirl!» means let's try. Phrases: «in a whirl», «give it a whirl», «whirl around».

Examples

• The Word is in them as they rush forth and as they return, they speak as from the whirl- wind, and returning fall prostrate in adoration before the Throne. (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1893) tree →
• O my God, make them like the whirling dust; as stubble before the wind. (Writings PSA.83.14, JPS 1917) tree →
• Behold, a storm of the LORD is gone forth in fury, a sweeping storm; it shall whirl upon the head of the wicked. (Prophets JER.30.23, JPS 1917) tree →
• Behold, a storm of the LORD is gone forth in fury, yea, a whirling storm; it shall whirl upon the head of the wicked. (Prophets JER.23.19, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Past: whirled. Similar: spin, twirl, swirl. «Whirlwind», «whirlpool», «whirligig» come from it. Do not confuse with «world» or «whorl».