whirlpool

noun

whirl·​pool ˈ(h)wər(-ə)l-ˌpül How to pronounce whirlpool (audio)
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 intrigueA. 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The ever-growing power needs of blockchain, and now AI, are like an all-consuming vortex, where the demands spiral deeper and wider, pulling in more resources with each passing moment, much like a cosmic whirlpool. Eric Solis, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 Just like whitewater, winds can swirl like a whirlpool or crash down on top of an aircraft like a waterfall. Thomas Fuller, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025 The small infinity pool on Deck 5 is flanked by two whirlpools. Janice Wald Henderson, Travel + Leisure, 23 Dec. 2024 The heated outdoor pool and three whirlpools have panoramic views of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains and are open all year long. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for whirlpool 

Word History

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of whirlpool was in 1529

Dictionary Entries Near whirlpool

Cite this Entry

“Whirlpool.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whirlpool. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

whirlpool

noun
whirl·​pool ˈhwər(-ə)l-ˌpül How to pronounce whirlpool (audio)
ˈwər(-ə)l-
1
: water moving rapidly in a circle with a hollow in the center into which floating objects are drawn : eddy
2

Medical Definition

whirlpool

noun

More from Merriam-Webster on whirlpool

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!