First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1churn
noun \ˈchərn\
: a container in which cream is stirred or shaken to make butter
Full Definition of CHURN
: a vessel for making butter in which milk or cream is agitated in order to separate the oily globules from the watery medium
See churn defined for English-language learners
See churn defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of CHURN
Middle English chyrne, from Old English cyrin; akin to Old Norse kjarni churn
2churn
verb
: to stir or mix something (such as water or mud) with force
: to move in a circle
: to make (butter) by stirring or shaking cream in a churn
Full Definition of CHURN
transitive verb
1
: to agitate (milk or cream) in a churn in order to make butter
2
a : to stir or agitate violently <an old stern-wheeler churning the muddy river> b : to make (as foam) by so doing
3
: to make (the account of a client) excessively active by frequent purchases and sales primarily in order to generate commissions
intransitive verb
1
: to work a churn
2
a : to produce, proceed with, or experience violent motion or agitation <her stomach was churning> <churning legs> b : to proceed by or as if by means of rotating members (as wheels or propellers) <boats churning across the harbor>
See churn defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CHURN
15th century
CHURN[1] Defined for Kids
1churn
noun \ˈchərn\
Definition of CHURN for Kids
: a container in which milk or cream is stirred or shaken in making butter
2churn
verb
churnedchurn·ing
Definition of CHURN for Kids
1
: to stir or shake in a churn (as in making butter)
2
: to stir or shake forcefully <The boat's motor churned up the mucky water.>
3
: to feel the effects of an emotion (as fear) <My stomach churned as I stood on the stage.>
4
: to move by or as if by forceful stirring action <Steamboats churned up and down the river.>
Learn More About CHURN
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: churnabilityPrevious Word in the Dictionary: churmAll Words Near: churn
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up churn? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).