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 of whirlpool

• 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

Comprising 300-plus cays, they’re known for spectacular snorkeling spots like Thunderball Grotto, swimming pigs on Big Major Cay, and natural whirlpools near Staniel Cay. —Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2026

The polar vortex, a whirlpool of Arctic air typically perched atop the North Pole, dislodged and descended into the Midwest causing the bitter cold. —Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026

Dedicated locker rooms have state-of-the-art whirlpools and saunas to prepare the body for seasonal treatments. —Brandon Presser, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Jan. 2026

Access saunas, steam rooms and whirlpools for full relaxation. —Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2026

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