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 of vortex

• gulf
• whirlpool
• maelstrom
• swirl

Examples of vortex in a Sentence

a boat sucked down into the vortex

Recent Examples on the Web

The upcoming Arctic blast could be preview of more cold to come deeper into December from a disruption of the polar vortex. —Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 26 Nov. 2025

Advertisement Early research shows that the warmer temperatures are also impacting the polar vortex, a large area of low pressure and cold air that surrounds both of the Earth's poles. —Simmone Shah, Time, 25 Nov. 2025

The event's impact — a disruption of the polar vortex — may quickly propagate from the stratosphere into the troposphere, where weather happens, displacing Arctic air southward into Canada and the United States after Thanksgiving. —Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Nov. 2025

Filters out hair and impurities while vortex circulation keeps water fresh and great-tasting. —Maria Williams, USA Today, 24 Nov. 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