purl

verb

Definition of purlnext
as in to swirl

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of purl The two halves of the hook move independently, enabling the device to knit or purl depending on which part picks up the first loop. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2025 There was no ocean, no sea in this part of Україна, only a purling river. — Literary Hub, 12 May 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purl
  1. swirl
  2. ripple
  3. bubble
  4. eddy
  5. gurgle
  6. dribble
  7. lap
  8. wash
Verb
  • The composition of these jets isn’t crystal clear, but scientists suspect electrons, positrons (the antimatter versions of electrons) and perhaps protons are pulled along swirling magnetic lines before being sent out from the black hole’s poles.
    — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • As for the suites, the highlight is their private terraces, peaceful havens from which to admire, paradoxically, the urban whirlwind swirling below.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of swirl
Verb
  • There are rippling gasps, drums, strings, sax, a vaguely Latin guitar, a sample of a woman talking about getting her hair done.
    — Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Lopez is part of a shift rippling through Latino communities across the country.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of ripple
Verb
  • This is especially important with fruit pies, to prevent the bubbling fruit juices from spilling over the edge of the pan onto your oven floor.
    — Melissa Weller, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Going back to Galadriel, the trailer reveals that there are tensions bubbling under the surface for Galadriel and her Elf prince, Celeborn (Jamie Campbell Bower).
    — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of bubble
Verb
  • Lindsay-Abaire makes a real meal of sketching the rest of the neighborhood association, played by a bevy of nimble theatrical comedians, though their own simmering resentments tend to eddy alongside the central Kyra-Elliot conflict.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Moses’s book eddies around with the energy of someone reporting back from a very long and strange evening clicking through Wikipedia links, enjoying every chance to add a tangent.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025
Definition of eddy
Verb
  • Today, those springs feed five geothermal pools, with temperatures reaching up to 102 degrees and contain minerals like manganese, silicate, and zinc, in a magical setting marked by gurgling fountains and 100-year-old redwood and eucalyptus trees.
    — CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The piano part gurgles like the waters with a rippling right-hand figure in sextuplets.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of gurgle
Verb
  • Wembanyama got his first points off the night after stonewalling Sacramento center Domantas Sabonis at one end, dribbling the length of the court off the rebound, then tossing the ball off the backboard to himself for a dunk.
    — Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Ellis was pulled after Sam Reinhart tied the game at 2 by poking in a loose puck that dribbled into the crease behind the goalie.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of dribble
Verb
  • Reddish-brown floodwater lapped into and around 80 homes in a neighborhood and 50 recreational vehicles in an RV park.
    — Mead Gruver, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Track Star Made from a crinkly nylon, these lightweight pants are incredibly airy and easy to move in—built for whatever the day brings, from morning laps to running errands.
    — Kasey Busiel, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of lap
Verb
  • Airbnb guests can say goodbye to checkout chores like washing dishes, stripping beds and taking out the trash under a new policy announced this week.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • An employee handled dirty utensils and dishes with gloves on and later handled clean dishes with those same gloves without washing hands in between.
    — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of wash

Browse Nearby Words

purity
purl
purled
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Cite this Entry

“Purl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purl. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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