swirl

To move or form a shape that curves round and round.

• Smoke swirled above the fire.
• Leaves were swirling around our feet.
• Dark colours swirl through the painting.

Similar words: whirl, spiral, curl

Common phrases: swirl around something, swirl through something, swirl into something

To turn round and round, or make something move this way, especially a liquid.

• She swirled the wine in her glass.
• Water swirled around the rocks.
• He swirled his brush in a jar of water.

Similar words: whirl, spin

Common phrases: swirl the wine, swirl something around, swirl in something

A curved line, shape, or piece of something that turns round and round.

• A swirl of cream topped the cake.
• Blue swirls covered the white bowl.
• He drew a swirl in the sand.

How to use it: a swirl of something (She topped the cake with a swirl of cream.)

Similar words: spiral, curl, coil

Common phrases: a swirl of cream, chocolate swirl, swirl pattern

A small spinning movement of water, air, smoke, or similar material.

• A swirl of water rocked the boat.
• Small swirls formed behind the rocks in the stream.
• The car vanished in a swirl of dust.

How to use it: a swirl of something (A swirl of wind lifted the dry leaves.)

Similar words: eddy, whirl

Common phrases: a swirl of water, a swirl of dust, a sudden swirl