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
• maelstrom
• whirlpool

Examples of vortex in a Sentence

a boat sucked down into the vortex

Recent Examples on the Web

Ours is the work of helping others hold those artifacts and insights in their hands, however briefly, and of considering what ought to be reserved from the ever-sucking vortex of oblivion—and why. —D. Graham Burnett, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2025

Even Andrew Madley, the referee, fell victim to the vortex of Paqueta’s aura when he was accidentally brought down by the Brazilian. —Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025

Known for its vortex of spiritual energy, Ojai Valley Inn has designed their programming to refocus and revive body, mind, and spirit. —Yola Robert, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

Sedona, Arizona, topped a study of the world's most mindful travel destinations for its energy vortexes, red rock formations, and strong spiritual community. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 1 Apr. 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