purl: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Literary/Technical
Quick answer
What does “purl” mean?
A low, murmuring sound made by flowing water.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A low, murmuring sound made by flowing water.
A knitting stitch that produces a raised, textured loop on the fabric; to flow with a murmuring sound; to edge fabric or knit with a decorative looped stitch.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The knitting term is universal. The water-related sense is more likely found in British literary works, though rare in modern AmE.
Connotations
In knitting, purely technical. The water sense connotes gentle, rural, picturesque scenery.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general use. Higher frequency in the specific context of knitting patterns and communities.
Grammar
How to Use “purl” in a Sentence
The stream purled [AdvP] through the glen.She can knit and purl.Purl the next row.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “purl” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The brook purled softly over the stones.
- Remember to purl the second and fourth rows.
American English
- The creek purled through the forest.
- The pattern says to knit one, purl two.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial use]
American English
- [No standard adverbial use]
adjective
British English
- The scarf has an attractive purl edge.
- She demonstrated the purl technique.
American English
- This is the purl side of the fabric.
- Follow the instructions for the purl row.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
May appear in literary analysis or historical texts describing landscapes.
Everyday
Used almost exclusively by knitters.
Technical
Standard term in knitting patterns and textile instructions.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “purl”
- Confusing 'purl' (stitch) with 'pearl' (gem).
- Using the water sense in modern, non-literary contexts.
- Incorrectly using 'purl' as a noun for a fast-flowing river.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's a low-frequency word. It's common only within the specific domain of knitting and is archaic/poetic when referring to the sound of water.
In knitting, they are two fundamental stitches. A knit stitch creates a 'V' shape on the facing side, while a purl stitch creates a horizontal bump or loop. They are essentially the front and back of the same stitch.
Almost exclusively for soft, continuous liquid sounds like a gentle stream or brook. It is not used for loud or violent water sounds.
It is understood but is very rare and considered literary or old-fashioned. The knitting term is used identically in both BrE and AmE.
A low, murmuring sound made by flowing water.
Purl is usually literary/technical in register.
Purl: in British English it is pronounced /pɜːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /pɝːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. Archaic: 'purlieu' is unrelated.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PEARL necklace: a PEARL is a smooth bead, but to PURL is to create a little loop or bump in knitting. Or, a stream PUR-Ls like a contented cat.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOUND IS LIQUID MOTION (for the water sense).
Practice
Quiz
In a literary context, what does 'purl' most likely describe?