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.
March-quarter results from Whirlpool, put out after Wednesday’s closing bell, badly missed the mark.
From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026
For Whirlpool WHR 1.00%increase; green up pointing triangle , it has caused what it calls a “recession-level industry decline,” and higher appliance prices are coming as a result.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026
At Whirlpool’s Kitchen-Aid factory in Ohio, the company has found the system performs “even better than expected,” says Scot Blommel, Whirlpool senior manager of global sustainability.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026
Whirlpool isn’t the only major company that has come under attack from activist investors.
From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026
Percy and a friend, William Dittrick, repeated the trip on September 25, 1887, through the lower half of the Gorge from the Whirlpool to Lewiston, having a thrilling experience.
From The Niagara River by Hulbert, Archer Butler
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.
