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View synonyms for

churn

[ churn ]

noun

  1. a container or machine in which cream or milk is agitated to make butter.
  2. any of various containers or machines similar in shape or action to a butter churn, as a device for mixing beverages.
  3. British. a large milk can.
  4. an act of churning stocks by a stockbroker.


verb (used with object)

  1. to agitate in order to make into butter:

    to churn cream.

  2. to make (butter) by the agitation of cream.
  3. to shake or agitate with violence or continued motion:

    The storm churned the sea.

    Synonyms: , ,

  4. to turn over and over in the mind:

    His brain slowly churned all the choices and possibilities.

  5. (of a stockbroker) to trade (a customer's securities) excessively in order to earn more in commissions.

verb (used without object)

  1. to operate a churn.
  2. to move or shake in agitation, as a liquid or any loose matter:

    The leaves churned along the ground.

  3. to be changing rapidly or be in a confused state:

    Her emotions churned as she viewed the horrific photos.

  4. to have a queasy feeling, as from anxiety or disgust:

    My insides were churning at the thought of being on stage.

  5. (of a stockbroker) to engage in the practice of churning.

verb phrase

  1. to produce mechanically, hurriedly, or routinely:

    He was hired to churn out verses for greeting cards.

churn

/ ʃɜː /

noun

  1. a large container for milk
  2. a vessel or machine in which cream or whole milk is vigorously agitated to produce butter
  3. any similar device
  4. the number of customers who switch from one supplier to another
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

    1. to stir or agitate (milk or cream) in order to make butter
    2. to make (butter) by this process
  1. sometimes foll by up to move or cause to move with agitation

    ideas churned in his head

  2. (of a bank, broker, etc) to encourage an investor or policyholder to change investments, endowment policies, etc, to increase commissions at the client's expense
  3. (of a government) to pay benefits to a wide category of people and claw it back by taxation from the well off
  4. to promote the turnover of existing subscribers leasing, and new subscribers joining, a cable television system or mobile phone company
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈܰԱ, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • ܰ·· adjective
  • ܰ····ٲ [chur-n, uh, -, bil, -i-tee], noun
  • ܰ· noun
  • ܲ·ܰ verb (used with object)
  • ܲ·ܰed adjective
  • well-churned adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of churn1

First recorded before 1000; Middle English noun chirne, cherne, Old English cyrne cyr(i)n; cognate with Middle Low German kerne, Old Norse kjarni, kirna
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Word History and Origins

Origin of churn1

Old English ciern; related to Old Norse kjarni, Middle Low German kerne churn, German dialect Kern cream
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

He and Charles, the eldest Crumb sibling, retreated into the world of comics, where they showed remarkable talent and ambition, churning out sophisticated animal narratives in the ’50s.

From

As the animals churn the earth with their large hooves, nudge the participants and try to chew the blankets, numerous guests, including our photographer, begin to cry.

From

China’s film industry has become adept at churning out movies with high production values and support from the Chinese Communist Party, leaving less room for English-language features that once did blockbuster business in the market.

From

Next time, scale back even more on having a life outside the home, and, I don't know, learn to churn butter or something.

From

"Our understanding is that the other parties have much higher churn than that," the spokesman said.

From

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