flurry
B2Neutral to formal; common in written and spoken English, especially in weather reports, business, and descriptive contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A sudden, brief period of commotion, activity, or precipitation.
A short-lived, intense burst of something, often implying a sense of hurried or agitated motion.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often carries connotations of light, swirling, or chaotic motion. Can describe both physical phenomena (snow, leaves) and abstract activities (activity, emotions).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. 'Flurry' is slightly more common in American weather reporting for snow.
Connotations
In both varieties, it suggests something brief and not overly serious or damaging.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[N] flurry of [N]a flurry [V-ed]be caught in a flurryVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A flurry of excitement”
- “In a flurry of activity”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A flurry of trading activity followed the merger announcement.
Academic
The publication sparked a flurry of scholarly debate.
Everyday
We had a quick flurry of snow this morning, but it didn't settle.
Technical
The sensor detected a flurry of minor seismic events.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- A flurry of sleet made the pavements treacherous.
- The news caused a flurry of media enquiries.
American English
- A snow flurry is expected later today.
- The debate ended in a flurry of insults.
verb
British English
- The pigeons flurried into the air at the sound.
- Her hands flurried over the keyboard.
American English
- Leaves flurried down from the old oak tree.
- The traders flurried about the floor as the bell rang.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Look! A flurry of snow!
- The announcement caused a flurry of excitement in the office.
- After a brief flurry of negotiations, the deal was concluded.
- The initial flurry of speculative investment soon gave way to more cautious analysis.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'FLU' (like something that comes on suddenly) and 'HURRY' (quick activity). A FLURRY is a sudden hurry of activity or snow.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACTIVITY IS WEATHER (A burst of activity is a snow flurry).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'метель' (blizzard), which is heavier and more prolonged. 'Flurry' is lighter and shorter. 'Порыв' (gust) is closer for wind, but not perfect for activity. 'Всплеск' (surge) is a better conceptual fit for abstract use.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'flurry' to describe a long, sustained period (e.g., *a flurry that lasted all day).
- Confusing 'flurry' with 'blizzard' or 'storm'.
- Using it as a verb without an object incorrectly (e.g., *He flurried around the room).
Practice
Quiz
Which scenario best describes a 'flurry'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it's less common than for snow. It typically describes light, wind-blown rain or sleet of short duration.
It is neutral, describing the nature of the activity rather than its value. Context determines the tone (e.g., a flurry of creativity vs. a flurry of errors).
They are often synonyms. 'Flurry' more strongly implies light, swirling, or chaotic motion within the short period. 'Burst' can imply more force or a singular explosive action.
As an intransitive verb meaning 'to move or act in a quick, agitated, or confused way.' (e.g., 'She flurried about the kitchen preparing for guests.'). It is less common than the noun form.