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

Hotel guests and club members have access to The Breakers' private beach club, with its four pools, 25 poolside cabanas, and six toasty whirlpools. —David Shaftel, Travel + Leisure, 15 Nov. 2025

Everyone can also access leisure areas, like the basketball court and the sundeck with a whirlpool. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 Nov. 2025

The lower level of the house will also include a spa area with a cold plunge tub, whirlpool and steam shower. —Rachel Wegner, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025

Her voice unleashes a sentimental whirlpool of longing, betrayal, and post-breakup rage without a hint of irony. —Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 27 Oct. 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