flurry

A short period when a small amount of snow falls.

• A light flurry began at noon.
• We drove through several snow flurries.
• The forecast warns of an occasional flurry overnight.

Similar words: snow shower

Common phrases: snow flurry, a light flurry, occasional flurry

A short period of sudden, busy activity or excitement.

• There was a flurry of activity.
• The kitchen was a flurry of preparations before dinner.
• A sudden flurry at the door made everyone look up.

How to use it: a flurry of something (Her arrival caused a flurry of excitement.)

Similar words: bustle, stir, rush

Common phrases: flurry of activity, flurry of excitement, a sudden flurry

Many similar things happening or arriving suddenly within a short time.

• A flurry of messages arrived.
• She answered a flurry of questions from reporters.
• The boxer landed a flurry of punches.

How to use it: a flurry of plural noun (The announcement brought a flurry of complaints.)

Similar words: burst, rush, barrage

Common phrases: flurry of questions, flurry of punches, flurry of messages

A short, sudden movement of wind.

• A flurry of wind lifted the leaves.
• The curtains stirred in a sudden flurry.
• Brief flurries sent dust across the road.

How to use it: a flurry of wind (A flurry of wind blew the door shut.)

Similar words: gust, puff

Common phrases: flurry of wind, a sudden flurry

To make someone nervous or confused, especially by rushing them.

• Do not flurry the poor child.
• The unexpected questions flurried him.
• Nothing seemed to flurry her during the interview.

Similar words: fluster, agitate, confuse

Opposites: calm

Common phrases: flurry someone, flurry someone’s nerves

To move or fall quickly in short, light bursts.

• Snow began to flurry down.
• Dry leaves flurried around our feet.
• White flakes flurry past the window.

Similar words: flutter, swirl

Common phrases: flurry down, flurry around