furl

pronunciation

How to pronounce furl in British English: UK [fɜ:l]word uk audio image

How to pronounce furl in American English: US [fɜrl] word us audio image

  • Verb:
    form into a cylinder by rolling

Word Origin

furl
furl: see firm
furl (v.)
1550s, of uncertain origin, possibly from Middle French ferler "to furl," from Old French ferliier "chain, tie up, lock away," perhaps from fer "firm" (from Latin firmus; see firm (adj.)) + -lier "to bind" (from Latin ligare). Also said to be a shortening of earlier furdle "to furl or fold." Related: Furled; furling. As a noun from 1640s.

Synonym

vt.

roll up fold

Antonym

vt. & vi.

unfurl