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

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

Ocean Spa at Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa is home to the Aquarian Baths, where the whirlpools help to release all tension and stress. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 22 May 2025

Dust devils spun in the distance, moving like flying whirlpools across the scrubland. —Benji Jones, Vox, 21 May 2025

But when the flow becomes turbulent, the fluid splits into eddies and whirlpools, which in turn develop smaller swirls. —Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 16 May 2025

Outside, a serene patio with a Jacuzzi leads directly to the resort’s main pool, with easy access to cabanas and heated whirlpools. —Ching Dee, Forbes.com, 6 May 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