swɜːl swɜrl ˈtwɪdəl ˈtwɪdəl ˈtwɜː(ɹ)l ʍɜːl ʍɝl a series of small (usually idle) twists or turns manipulate, as in a nervous or unconscious manner He twiddled his thumbs while waiting for the interview turn in a twisting or spinning motion The leaves swirled in the autumn wind