whirlpool

noun

whirl·​pool ˈ(h)wər(-ə)l-ˌpül How to pronounce whirlpool (audio)
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 intrigueA. 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

Example Sentences

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 Book Now 18 Spa Talisa, Napa, California The Four Seasons Napa Valley’s Spa Talisa invites guests to soak in the vineyard views while enjoying an on-site whirlpool, outdoor misting decks, detoxifying mud treatments, a steam room, and even a nail salon. Sean Santiago, ELLE Decor, 7 Apr. 2023 The canoe reached the end of the rapids upright only to be seized by another whirlpool, which hurled it back to midstream, overturning it. Larry Rohter, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Apr. 2023 The home overlooks the 65-foot-long outdoor pool and whirlpool, surrounded by lawn space. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2023 And guests can have multiple venues to utilize, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools (including one just for children), a whirlpool, saunas, relaxation areas, treatment rooms, and a gym with studio room. Rachel King, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2023 Signature Bank of New York was caught in the whirlpool. Matthew Continetti, National Review, 18 Mar. 2023 To live in the whirlpool of the extraordinary. Cynthia Ozick, The New Yorker, 14 June 2021 Only one person allowed in a whirlpool at a time. Kevin Sherrington, Dallas News, 22 Dec. 2020 Moon Palace Cancun, Mexico Moon Palace's elevated take on an all-inclusive offering includes 24-hour room service, top-shelf drinks, fine dining, in-room whirlpool tubs, and plenty of kid-friendly activities (for the latter, don't miss the FlowRider Double surf simulator). Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'whirlpool.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of whirlpool was in 1529

Dictionary Entries Near whirlpool

Cite this Entry

“Whirlpool.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whirlpool. Accessed 6 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

whirlpool

noun
whirl·​pool ˈhwər(-ə)l-ˌpül How to pronounce whirlpool (audio)
ˈwər(-ə)l-
1
: water moving rapidly in a circle with a hollow in the center into which floating objects are drawn : eddy
2

Medical Definition

whirlpool

noun

More from Merriam-Webster on whirlpool

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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