whirlpool

noun

whirl·​pool ˈ(h)wər(-ə)l-ˌpül 

1

a

: a confused tumult and bustle : whirl

b

: a magnetic or impelling force by which something may be engulfed

… refusing to be drawn into this whirlpool of intrigue …

—A. D. White

2

a

: water moving rapidly in a circle so as to produce a depression in the center into which floating objects may be drawn : eddy, vortex

b

: whirlpool bath

Synonyms of whirlpool

• vortex

Examples of whirlpool in a Sentence

The swimmer was caught in a whirlpool and nearly drowned.

in The Odyssey, Ulysses is trapped between the six-headed monster Scylla and Charybdis, a deadly whirlpool that threatens to suck in his ship

Recent Examples on the Web

Observations of the two solar system gas giants have revealed that Jupiter's north pole hosts a central polar vortex surrounded by eight smaller vortices, while Saturn has a single, strangely hexagonal, massive atmospheric whirlpool over its north pole. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 20 Jan. 2026

Bathrooms are spacious, with hardwood floors, 15-inch LCD televisions (for those who need a TV in the bathroom), and large whirlpool tubs. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Jan. 2026

Equipped with steam cabinets, whirlpool tubs, and massage therapists, Buckstaff Bathhouse offers separate floors for men and women, and its no-reservation policy for baths and massages works in favor of travelers who want to take a spontaneous trip to the healing waters. —Alex Schechter, Travel + Leisure, 14 Jan. 2026

Its amenities include a restaurant and lounge with indoor and patio seating, a fitness center, indoor pool and whirlpool, business center, meeting spaces, and 354 parking spaces. —Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing whirlpool

• whirlpool bath

Rhymes for whirlpool

• ampoule
• bascule
• carpool
• cesspool
• ferrule
• footstool
• guayule
• lobule
• misrule
• preschool
• pustule
• boule

Kids Definition

whirlpool

noun

whirl·​pool ˈhwər(-ə)l-ˌpül 

ˈwər(-ə)l-

1

: water moving rapidly in a circle with a hollow in the center into which floating objects are drawn : eddy

2

: whirlpool bath

Medical Definition

whirlpool

noun

whirl·​pool ˈhwər(-ə)l-ˌpül, ˈwər(-ə)l- 

: whirlpool bath