1. To move around in a twisting, winding, gyrating motion. Dust swirled about the old shed as we stepped inside. Blood swirled about in the water as it dripped from my hand into the sink.

2. To encircle and move around someone or something in a twisting, winding, gyrating motion. A noun or pronoun can be used between "swirl" and "about." Cold water swirled about my ankles as I stood fishing in the stream. Smoke swirled about the people as they fled the war-stricken village.

3. To spread and circulate among a particular group of people or in response to the actions of a particular person or thing. Fearful uncertainty has been swirling about the population as the government continues to threaten its secession from the trade union. Scandal continue to swirl about the disgraced movie producer as more and more people come forward to allege abuse and mistreatment.