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Purl - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

purl

/pɜrl/ /pɜːl/

Definition:

To flow with a murmuring sound, or to knit with a reverse stitch creating a ribbed texture.

Synonyms:

murmur, ripple, babble, knit

Part of Speech:

verb, noun

Antonyms:

gush, silence

Common Collocations:

purl stitch, purl of water, purl along

Derivatives:

purling, purled

Usage Tips:

Use "purl" for knitting or describing soft flowing sounds; ensure context clarifies the meaning.

Common Phrases:

purl of a brook, purl stitch, purl and plain

Etymology:

Originates from Middle English "pirle," meaning to whirl or ripple, influenced by Old English and Scandinavian words for swirling liquid.

Examples:

  • 1. The brook began to purl softly over the stones.
  • 2. She learned to purl to create a textured scarf.
  • 3. The quiet purl of the stream relaxed everyone nearby.
  • 4. His knitting alternated between knit and purl stitches evenly.

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