whirlpool

noun

whirl·​pool ˈ(h)wər(-ə)l-ˌpül 

1

a

: a confused tumult and bustle : whirl

b

: a magnetic or impelling force by which something may be engulfed

refusing to be drawn into this whirlpool of intrigue

—A. D. White

2

a

: water moving rapidly in a circle so as to produce a depression in the center into which floating objects may be drawn : eddy, vortex

b

: whirlpool bath

Synonyms

• gulf
• maelstrom
• vortex

Examples of whirlpool in a Sentence

The swimmer was caught in a whirlpool and nearly drowned.

in The Odyssey, Ulysses is trapped between the six-headed monster Scylla and Charybdis, a deadly whirlpool that threatens to suck in his ship

Recent Examples on the Web

United States Geological Survey via AP Another stunning image captured by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory showed whirlpool textures in the lava pond's crustal plates, a phenomenon called lava drainback. —CBS News, 21 Mar. 2025

Outside, Farrell was going to install two swimming pools with whirlpool spas, a poolside cabana with a kitchen, a pickleball court, and a garage with room for eight cars. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 15 Mar. 2025

The all-suite property also features two pools, whirlpools, a fitness center, and a kids’ activity center. —Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2025

The outdoor pool and hot tubs and the spa’s whirlpool are equipped with lifts. —Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 22 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing whirlpool

• whirlpool bath

Rhymes for whirlpool

• ampoule
• bascule
• carpool
• cesspool
• ferrule
• footstool
• guayule
• lobule
• misrule
• preschool
• pustule
• boule

Kids Definition

whirlpool

noun

whirl·​pool ˈhwər(-ə)l-ˌpül 

ˈwər(-ə)l-

1

: water moving rapidly in a circle with a hollow in the center into which floating objects are drawn : eddy

2

: whirlpool bath

Medical Definition

whirlpool

noun

whirl·​pool ˈhwər(-ə)l-ˌpül, ˈwər(-ə)l- 

: whirlpool bath