Use each letter no more than once. Words must be at least 3 letters long.
✦ Find a word using the letters in your shaker!
Words found
0 words
▱
Your word collection will appear here.
✓
Make wordsUse the letters in the shaker.
♜
Earn pointsLonger words earn more points.
↻
Shake againStart a fresh round.
TIME'S UP
Shaker finished!
You found 0 words.
0
points scored this round
How to play Whirlo
Whirlo is a quick word-building challenge. You have 60 seconds to make as many words as you can from the letters in your shaker. It is designed for short rounds: look for small words first, then see whether you can spot longer combinations before the timer runs out.
Look at the letters. Each round gives you a set of 12 letter tiles.
Type a word. Enter a word made only from the letters shown. You may use each tile only once in a word.
Check your word. Words must contain at least three letters and must be included in the game's built-in word list.
Build your score. Accepted words are added to your word collection and award points according to their length.
Start another round. Select “Shake the letters!” for a fresh set and keep playing.
Whirlo scoring guide
Longer words are worth more points, so a longer word can be a good way to improve your total. The current scoring system is:
3-letter word: 3 points
4-letter word: 4 points
5-letter word: 6 points
6-letter word: 8 points
7-letter word: 11 points
8 letters or more: 15 points
Each accepted word can score only once in a round. If a word is rejected, check that every letter is available in the shaker, that you have not used a tile twice, and that the word is in the game's starter dictionary.
Tips for finding more words
Start with short words
Scan for familiar three- and four-letter combinations. Finding a few quick words can help you get into the rhythm of a round.
Look for common endings
When the letters allow it, try endings such as “-s”, “-ed” or “-er”. Remember that every letter used must be present in the shaker.
Rearrange the letters in your mind
Try grouping vowels with different consonants, then move on to a different starting letter if you get stuck. You do not need to use every tile in a word.
Balance speed and length
Longer words earn more points, but the timer keeps running while you think. Choose a pace that works for you and use the word collection to avoid repeating a word.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a Whirlo round?
Each round lasts 60 seconds.
Can I use the same letter more than once?
Only if that letter appears on more than one tile. A word cannot use a single tile more than once.
Why was my word rejected?
The word may be shorter than three letters, may need a letter that is not available, may already have been submitted in the current round, or may not be included in the built-in starter word list. Some valid words may therefore not be recognised.
Do I need an account?
No account is needed to play a round. Your current round's score and word list are part of the active game session; they are not presented as a permanent online leaderboard.
Is Whirlo free to play?
Yes. You can open the game in your browser and start playing without paying to access a round.