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

• gulf
• maelstrom
• 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

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Word History

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing whirlpool

• whirlpool bath

• whirlpool bath

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