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

Few bathroom features feel as outdated as a jacuzzi or whirlpool tub. —Amanda Lauren, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

Just minutes from Bavaro Beach, the resort — which just opened in December — features 190 suites, including swim-up rooms with private gardens and whirlpools. —Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 5 Jan. 2025

Bonnie, Colm, and Donal, meanwhile, are all thrashing about in whirlpools of their own delusion and desperation, and each has fixated on the wrong savior. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2024

Then remove the stopper and run the disposal again to create a powerful whirlpool that will remove any leftover debris. —Julia Mitchem, Architectural Digest, 30 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing whirlpool

• whirlpool bath

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