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

• 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

Each serene treatment suite looks out to the lagoon, while the opulent double treatment villas also feature whirlpools. —Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 19 June 2025

Ovation of the Seas, a Quantum-class ship which entered service in 2016, will receive a refreshed pool deck with private casitas, a new whirlpool, the Pesky Parrot bar and accommodation upgrades such as the Ultimate Family Suite and Panoramic Suite. —Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 June 2025

If money is no object, the best digs are two aft-facing Otium Suites, which clock in at 1,324 square feet, each with a 421-square-foot wraparound veranda with private whirlpool. —Fran Golden, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2025

With the heat at medium-low, stir the water in a circular motion to create a whirlpool. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 14 June 2025

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