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

That allows for the formation of multiple vortices, just as is seen at the poles of Jupiter. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 20 Jan. 2026

How the stratosphere influences Earth's surface climate The North Pole is surrounded by a massive circular upper-air weather phenomenon in the Arctic called the polar vortex. —Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026

Sometimes these cold snaps are intensified by polar vortex events. —Connie Etemadi, Freep.com, 17 Jan. 2026

But this time, the vortex is stretching, allowing the cold air to flow across a larger area for longer. —Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 16 Jan. 2026

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