Birr

/bɜː/ · noun

Meaning

(Scotland) Strength, vigor, energy..

Definitions by Sense

1. (Scotland) Strength, vigor, energy.
2. (Scotland) The force of movement; rush, impetus, momentum, driving force.
3. (Scotland) A whirring noise.
4. (Scotland) A strong trilling.
5. (Scotland) To make a whirring noise; make a noise like that of revolving wheels, or of millstones at work.
6. (Scotland) To lurch or set to spinning.
7. The currency of Ethiopia, divided into 100 santims.

Example Sentences

Ye'll be sae kind as let me see How this same bird o' yours can flee. T'oblige ye, friend, I winna stand — Syne loos'd the falcon frae his hand. Unhooded, up she sprang wi' birr, While baith stood staring after her.

Then steer thro' life wi' birr an' vigour

Your chanter sets us a ' a-steer, Get out your pipes and blaw wi' birr, We'll dance the Highland fling

The congregation sang them with such ' birr and go.'

The late David Kennedy, the eininent Scottish vocalist, sang it with great birr.

Bleak winter reigns, ilk hill's o'erlaid wi' snaw, Cauld frae the north wi' bir the tempests blaw.

A chaise in full birr came upon her and knocked her down.

And away down, in full birr, to the Duke's gate.

Synonyms for birr

Antonyms for birr

Related Words

Word Forms

• birrs
• birring
• birred

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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