whirlwind

1 of 2

noun

whirl·​wind ˈ(h)wər(-ə)l-ˌwind How to pronounce whirlwind (audio)
Synonyms of whirlwind
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 of whirlwind

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Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
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.
Noun
Talk about a whirlwind of emotions. — Brian Grubb, Vulture, 29 June 2026 Wilson spent most of the predraft whirlwind on the outside looking in. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026
Adjective
The couple, who met in 1987 and married in 1991, made headlines when they got engaged after a whirlwind six-month courtship. — Emma Banks, InStyle, 22 May 2026 The teaser for Episode 6 posted on the show's X account shows Boyd's reaction to Jade's plan after his whirlwind mushroom trip. — Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for whirlwind

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1727, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of whirlwind was in the 14th century

Rhymes for whirlwind

See All Rhymes for whirlwind

Browse Nearby Words

whirlwig
whirlwind
whirly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Whirlwind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whirlwind. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

whirlwind

1 of 2 noun
whirl·​wind -ˌwind How to pronounce whirlwind (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on whirlwind

Nglish: Translation of whirlwind for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about whirlwind

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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