furl: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, nautical, technical
Quick answer
What does “furl” mean?
to roll up and secure (something like a sail, flag, or umbrella) neatly and tightly.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to roll up and secure (something like a sail, flag, or umbrella) neatly and tightly.
To fold or roll something flat or flexible into a compact, neat bundle for storage or to stop it from being used. Also used metaphorically for closing or stopping an activity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic differences. It is a formal/technical term in both varieties.
Connotations
Strong nautical/maritime connotation in both varieties. Also associated with formal ceremonies (folding flags).
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, though slightly more likely in British English due to stronger historical sailing terminology.
Grammar
How to Use “furl” in a Sentence
SUBJ + furl + OBJ (e.g., The sailor furled the sail.)OBJ + be + furled (e.g., The flag was furled for the night.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “furl” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The yacht's crew furled the mainsail before the storm.
- He furled his large umbrella upon entering the building.
American English
- The scouts furled the flag at the end of the ceremony.
- We need to furl the patio awning before the high winds hit.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form; 'tightly furled' is adjectival.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form.)
adjective
British English
- The furled sail was secured with gaskets.
- A furled umbrella leaned in the stand.
American English
- The furled banner was placed in its case.
- Keep the furled sunshade in the garage.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly metaphorical: 'The company decided to furl its expansion plans.'
Academic
Rare, except in historical or technical texts about sailing.
Everyday
Limited. Most likely with umbrellas or garden sunshades in formal descriptions.
Technical
Common in sailing, military (flag ceremonies), and outdoor equipment manuals.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “furl”
- Using it for non-rollable objects (e.g., *'furl the book').
- Confusing with 'unfurl'.
- Using it as a general synonym for 'close' (e.g., *'furl the door').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its most classic use is nautical (sails), it is perfectly correct for flags, umbrellas, awnings, banners, and similar rollable items.
'Fold' typically implies creating a bend or crease (like folding paper or clothes). 'Furl' specifically means to roll or wrap something long or broad around itself or a spar, like a scroll, often for secure storage.
Yes, but it's metaphorical and literary. It means to bring something to a close or put it in abeyance (e.g., 'to furl one's ambitions'). This usage is quite rare and formal.
Yes, precisely. 'Unfurl' means to unroll, spread out, or open something that has been furled, like a sail, flag, or scroll.
to roll up and secure (something like a sail, flag, or umbrella) neatly and tightly.
Furl is usually formal, nautical, technical in register.
Furl: in British English it is pronounced /fɜːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /fɜːrl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “furl one's wings (metaphorical: to stop being active/ambitious)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'FURL' sounds like 'CURL'. You CURL or roll up a flag to FURL it.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENDING IS FURLING (e.g., 'furl a project'), PREPARATION FOR STORAGE IS FURLING, SECURITY IS FURLING.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'furl' LEAST appropriate?