A flurry is a sudden, brief burst of activity or movement. When snow falls in a flurry, light flakes swirl through the air for a few minutes, then stop. When a teacher announces a surprise quiz, there might be a flurry of nervous whispers and rustling papers as students scramble to get ready.

The word captures that sense of quick, scattered motion: lots happening all at once, but not for very long. A flurry feels urgent and a bit chaotic. You might see a flurry of activity in the kitchen when guests arrive unexpectedly, or a flurry of punches in a boxing match, or a flurry of emails before a big deadline.

Flurry often describes snow specifically, those light snowfalls that swirl around but don't pile up much. But it works for anything that comes in a quick, concentrated burst. After weeks of quiet, a rock band might release a flurry of new songs. A student council might face a flurry of questions after announcing a change to the school rules.

The key to understanding flurry is remembering that it's temporary and intense: quick motion, then calm again.