What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
reels
Example
She danced the night away, twirling and doing reels. [reels: noun]
Example
He reels in the fish with his fishing rod. [reels: verb]
whirl
Example
The tornado whirled through the town, destroying everything in its path. [whirled: verb]
Example
She felt a whirl of emotions as she watched the sunset. [whirl: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Whirl is more commonly used than reels in everyday language, due to its versatility and broader range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between reels and whirl?
Both reels and whirl are generally informal words, but reels may be used in more formal contexts when referring to specific types of dances or devices used for winding/unwinding.
