whirlpool

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

|Updated on: 11 Jun 2018

Definition of whirlpool

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

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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 of whirlpool from the Web

Bubbles, rings and whirlpools The current iteration will still allow new physics, says Thompson.

— elizabeth gibney, Scientific American, "Universe’s Coolest Lab Set to Open Quantum World," 9 May 2018
All suites come with whirlpool tubs, while upgraded suites have additional features, such as ocean views and easy access to the resort’s two pools.

— mark rogers, USA TODAY, "Honeymoon guide: Six Los Cabos resorts for couples," 8 May 2018
Brewer-Garrett installed the whirlpools' new heaters, chemical feed and circulation pumps, and city officials are working with a pool company to facilitate the full repair.

— beth mlady, cleveland.com, "Brook Park 'very close to finish line' on rec center upgrades, City Hall move," 30 Apr. 2018
The eighth floor has a fitness center with cardio and strength-training equipment, yoga studio, indoor lap pool, whirlpool spa and children's play area.

— pamela dittmer mckuen, chicagotribune.com, "New Streeterville residential high-rise boasts over an acre of amenity spaces," 22 Aug. 2017
But escape from the optical overload ends in a whirlpool of conceptual turbulence.

— david pagel, latimes.com, "Enter the rainbow: Inside artist Mindy Shapero's mind-bending room," 16 May 2018
His agenda has been largely caught in the Trump whirlpool.

— daniel bice, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Bice: Forever tied to Trump, Paul Ryan leaves behind a mixed record over 20 years," 12 Apr. 2018
That 80-suite exclusive area also has its own restaurant, outdoor terrace, private lounge and courtyard with pool, whirlpools, sauna, spa and sunbathing deck.

— richard tribou, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Norwegian Bliss first new ship of 2018 to make it to North America," 8 May 2018
There's no elaborate waterpark aboard this decidedly adult ship, but there are plenty of whirlpools—a favorite is the one right at the bow, where the views are epic.

— paul brady, Condé Nast Traveler, "The New 'Seabourn Ovation' Has a Thomas Keller Restaurant and Plenty More," 7 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'whirlpool.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.