whirlwind

1 of 2

noun

whirl·​wind ˈ(h)wər(-ə)l-ˌwind 

1

: a small rotating windstorm of limited extent

2

a

: a confused rush : whirl

a whirlwind of meetings

b

: a violent or destructive force or agency

whirlwind

2 of 2

adjective

: resembling a whirlwind especially in speed or force

a whirlwind campaign

a whirlwind romance

Synonyms

Adjective

• blistering
• breakneck
• breathless
• brisk
• dizzy
• fast
• fleet
• fleet-footed
• flying
• galloping
• hasty
• hot
• lightning
• nippy
• quick
• rapid
• rapid-fire
• rattling
• snappy
• speedy
• splitting
• swift
• zippy

Examples of whirlwind in a Sentence

Noun

My life has been a whirlwind lately.

He attended a whirlwind of meetings.

Adjective

The band went on a whirlwind concert tour.

They were married after a whirlwind romance.

We continued on at a whirlwind pace.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Turner, who lives in Indiana, and Nist, who’s based in New Jersey, had planned to move in together after getting hitched in a whirlwind wedding in January. —Samantha Chery, Washington Post, 12 Apr. 2024

These are the 14 travel essentials that topped my packing list, and ensured that my whirlwind ,two-week trip was smooth and effortless – even with just a carry-on. —Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1614, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

whirlwind

1 of 2 noun

whirl·​wind -ˌwind 

: a small windstorm of rapidly rotating air

whirlwind

2 of 2 adjective

: resembling a whirlwind especially in speed or force

a whirlwind campaign

a whirlwind romance