vortex

noun

vor·​tex ˈvȯr-ˌteks 

plural vortices ˈvȯr-tə-ˌsēz  also vortexes ˈvȯr-ˌtek-səz 

1

: something that resembles a whirlpool

the hellish vortex of battle

—Time

2

a

: a mass of fluid (such as a liquid) with a whirling or circular motion that tends to form a cavity or vacuum in the center of the circle and to draw toward this cavity or vacuum bodies subject to its action

especially : whirlpool, eddy

b

: a region within a body of fluid in which the fluid elements have an angular velocity

Synonyms

• gulf
• whirlpool
• maelstrom
• swirl

Examples of vortex in a Sentence

a boat sucked down into the vortex

Recent Examples on the Web

The polar vortex is stirring up, bringing the earliest hints that the weather is changing with the new fall season. —Brandi D. Addison, Nashville Tennessean, 24 Sep. 2025

Water vortices, such as whirlpools, are little water whirls that spin around. —Doyle Rice, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025

In terms of functionality, anyone who’s been met with an unexpected wind vortex on the city streets can appreciate the ease of having a scarf that’s already readily available. —Kerry Pieri, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2025

If temperatures drop again below freezing or, in the extreme case, a polar vortex sweeps through, plants get damaged. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin vortic-, vortex, from Latin vertex, vortex whirlpool — more at vertex

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for vortex

• cortex
• neocortex

Kids Definition

vortex

noun

vor·​tex ˈvȯr-ˌteks 

plural vortices ˈvȯrt-ə-ˌsēz  also vortexes

: a mass of whirling fluid forming a cavity in the center toward which things are drawn : whirlpool

Medical Definition

vortex

transitive verb

vor·​tex ˈvȯ(ə)r-ˌteks 

: to mix (as the contents of a test tube) by means of a rapid whirling or circular motion

vortex air into a solution

vortexing noun