whirlpool

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

Updated on: 17 Apr 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

Pry yourself away from the in-room whirlpool and fireplace to explore ancient ruins like Portara (a.k.a.

— ashlea halpern, The Cut, "12 Epic, All-Inclusive Honeymoon Itineraries," 11 Apr. 2018
Alternatively, ask hubby to knead your muscles and settle on the eucalyptus steam room, outdoor whirlpools, heated pool and sauna pod.

— marlise kast-myers, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Medal-worthy Whistler," 27 Mar. 2018
The Whale Galaxy, on the other hand, is a more typical spiral galaxy with arms of stars that spiral out from a central point, often resembling a whirlpool.

— National Geographic, "The Giant Squid Nebula and More Animals of the Cosmos," 20 Mar. 2018
There is a master suite with a whirlpool tub included and large closets.

— craig hlavaty, Houston Chronicle, "Richmond-area's viral 'Mannequin Mansion' is back on the market," 19 Mar. 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 leaves shipyard ahead of debut," 14 Mar. 2018
Fountain City Tucked into the river-valley bluffs of Fountain City, these cottages offer a crackling fire, whirlpool tubs and views of wildlife scampering hillside or perched within the spectacular wooded surroundings.

— travelwisconsin.com, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "5 Cabins and Cottages for a Winter Escape," 4 Jan. 2018
Of the 26 players, 22 used the clubhouse whirlpool.

— bill shaikin, latimes.com, "Dodgers' bullpen plans might be derailed by injury," 3 Mar. 2018
With Spanish tile roofs, the school’s amenities included hospital beds for medical classes, an emergency shower in chemistry class for toxic spills and built-in whirlpools in locker rooms.

— johnny diaz, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland | Facts about the site of mass shooting," 15 Feb. 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.