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 The itinerary also includes eight sea days, during which guests can enjoy onboard amenities like spa treatments and whirlpools. Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Feb. 2024 It’s got a multi-level slide, a wraparound balcony, whirlpool, areas for karaoke and watching movies, and even a patio with ping-pong. David Dickstein, Orange County Register, 2 Feb. 2024 Outside, a private courtyard features a fireplace and whirlpool, while the outdoor shower is the perfect place to cool off after a hike on one of the surrounding trails. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 26 Jan. 2024 At 431 square feet, the suite's balcony, furnished with a private whirlpool, is larger than entire cabins on other ships. Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2023 Quasars are dazzling whirlpools of fast-moving, ultra-hot gas produced by giant black holes — and this particular quasar is driven by the fastest-growing black hole known to humans, one that is devouring the equivalent of one sun per day, according to the European Southern Observatory. Jennifer Hassan, Washington Post, 20 Feb. 2024 Enjoy the ship’s pool, whirlpools, casino, and eight restaurants on board. Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Feb. 2024 The three-story space boasts an indoor slide, a wraparound balcony with a whirlpool, an outdoor patio with table tennis and direct access to Surfside. Natalia Senanayake, Peoplemag, 23 Jan. 2024 Paterson recommends Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa because of the giant maze of pools, waterfalls, whirlpools, rope bridges, and slides. Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 2 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'whirlpool.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 2024.

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

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