whirlwind

1 of 2

noun

whirl·​wind ˈ(h)wər(-ə)l-ˌwind 

1

: a small rotating windstorm of limited extent

2

a

: a confused rush : whirl

a whirlwind of meetings

b

: a violent or destructive force or agency

whirlwind

2 of 2

adjective

: resembling a whirlwind especially in speed or force

a whirlwind campaign

a whirlwind romance

Synonyms of whirlwind

Adjective

• rapid
• brisk
• quick
• fast
• galloping

Examples of whirlwind in a Sentence

Noun

My life has been a whirlwind lately.

He attended a whirlwind of meetings.

Adjective

The band went on a whirlwind concert tour.

They were married after a whirlwind romance.

We continued on at a whirlwind pace.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The past year has been a whirlwind for Woods and Towns, who revealed their engagement on Christmas Day last December, months before the Knicks clinched their first NBA title in 53 years in June. — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 12 Nov. 2026

This was just one in a series of breakout moments in what’s been a whirlwind year of leveling up for Baby Rose. — Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 12 Nov. 2026

Adjective

The final sprint before election day capped Murphy’s whirlwind trip to the Middle East at the start of October for meetings with several leaders, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. — Kevin Freking, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026

And now, following a whirlwind six-month transformation, it’s been reborn as one of Scotland’s most characterful new stays. — Liam Hess, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1727, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for whirlwind

• chagrined
• downwind
• rescind
• upwind
• woodwind
• finned
• ginned
• grinned
• pinned
• sinned
• skinned
• thinned

Kids Definition

whirlwind

1 of 2 noun

whirl·​wind -ˌwind 

: a small windstorm of rapidly rotating air

whirlwind

2 of 2 adjective

: resembling a whirlwind especially in speed or force

a whirlwind campaign

a whirlwind romance