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

To the left of the foyer is an expansive first-floor primary suite with a large walk-in closet, access to a separate private deck and a palatial en suite with a whirlpool tub, double sinks, a walk-in shower and a separate water closet. —Karen A. Avitabile, Hartford Courant, 1 Dec. 2024

This new state of the art appliance has only given me a whirlpool of problems. —Ticked Off, Orlando Sentinel, 26 Nov. 2024

Here, guests can expect all-suite accommodations outfitted with a calming color palette and amenities like whirlpool tubs and private balconies. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 24 Nov. 2024

At just 12 feet tall and 40 feet wide, the terraced cascades fall into a whirlpool, which is easy for folks of all ages to navigate. —Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 24 July 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