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birl

verb (1)
\ ˈbər(-ə)l How to pronounce birl (audio) , Scot also ˈbir(-ə)l\
birled; birling; birls

Definition of birl

 (Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

chiefly Scotland
: carouse

birl

verb (2)
birled; birling; birls

Definition of birl (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : spin
2 : to cause (a floating log) to rotate by treading

intransitive verb

: to progress by whirling
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Other Words from birl

Verb (2)

birler \ ˈbÉ™r-​lÉ™r How to pronounce birler (audio) , ˈbir-​ How to pronounce birler (audio) \ noun

Examples of birl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

 Another, unable to reach dry land, dug his spiked boots into a slippery timber and birled downriver. — Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, "The Lost Art of Floating Logs Down the River," 16 Feb. 2019 In some parts of the United States, birling contests are annual events. — Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, "The Lost Art of Floating Logs Down the River," 16 Feb. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'birl.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of birl

Verb (1)

circa 1585, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1724, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

History and Etymology for birl

Verb (1)

Middle English, from Old English byrelian; probably akin to Old English beran to carry — more at bear

Verb (2)

perhaps imitative

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Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with birl

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for birl

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