whirlpool
Americannoun
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water in swift, circular motion, as that produced by the meeting of opposing currents, often causing a downward spiraling action.
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Heraldry. gurge.
noun
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a powerful circular current or vortex of water, usually produced by conflicting tidal currents or by eddying at the foot of a waterfall
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something resembling a whirlpool in motion or the power to attract into its vortex
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short for whirlpool bath
Etymology
Origin of whirlpool
Explanation
When two water currents meet, they sometimes form a swirling, circular whirlpool. There are some small but very strong whirlpools at the bottom of Niagara Falls. The way water moves in a circle as it drains out of your bathtub is a smaller version of what a whirlpool looks like in a large body of water. Whirlpools can be dangerous for swimmers and small boats, although larger ships aren't at any real risk of being sucked into a whirlpool, even a particularly large and powerful one — which can also be called a maelstrom.
Vocabulary lists containing whirlpool
Magical Mystery List D
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"Milady Standard Cosmetology," Vocabulary from Part 5
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English Language Development Texts, Unit 3
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Travelers in select suites can enjoy private whirlpool spas and outdoor showers.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 18, 2026
Byrne’s own children, 7 and 9, helped her snap out of the whirlpool of emotion that was making “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.”
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 3, 2025
The suites themselves are spacious, with separate living and sleeping areas, a large bathroom with a soaking or whirlpool tub, and comfortable beds.
From Salon • Sep. 3, 2025
The Corryvreckan whirlpool, between the islands of Jura and Scarba in the Inner Hebrides, is one of the largest whirlpools in the world and considered highly dangerous.
From BBC • Apr. 8, 2025
There, as the whirlpool drank the tide, a billow tossed me, and I sprang for the great fig tree, catching on like a bat under a bough.
From "The Odyssey" by Homer
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
