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 blast is courtesy of our old wintertime foe the polar vortex, said Weather Trader meteorologist Ryan Maue on X, while the source of the cold comes all the way from such miserably figid spots such as Greenland, the Canadian Arctic, and even the North Pole! —Doyle Rice, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025

The frigid surge, detached from the polar vortex, has prompted winter weather alerts for over 84 million people, with cities from Dallas to New York bracing for icy conditions. —Sirena Bergman, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025

Polar vortex to bring 'shocking' arctic blast to Ohio this weekend. —Brandi D. Addison, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Nov. 2025

The distinctive bald knob ahead is a popular vortex site. —Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 8 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