What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
twirl
Example
She twirled her hair absentmindedly while she thought. [twirled: verb]
Example
The little girl twirled around in her new dress, enjoying the feeling of the fabric swirling around her. [twirled: past tense]
whirl
Example
The helicopter blades began to whirl as it took off. [whirl: verb]
Example
The tornado whirled through the town, causing destruction in its wake. [whirled: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Twirl is less common than whirl in everyday language. Twirl is often used in specific contexts, such as dance or fashion, while whirl is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between twirl and whirl?
Both twirl and whirl are informal words, but twirl may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with dance and artistry.
