whirlwind

American  

[hwurl-wind, wurl-] / ˈʰwɜrlˌwɪnd, ˈwɜrl- /

noun

1. Meteorology. a relatively small mass of air rotating rapidly around a more or less vertical axis and simultaneously advancing over land or sea: specific categories of whirlwind include dust devil, dust whirl, tornado, and waterspout.

   The sails were carried up to the mastheads by the force of the whirlwind.

2. anything resembling a whirlwind, as in violent action or destructive force.

   a fiery whirlwind of shrapnel.

3. someone or something characterized by great energy or swiftness, often with an atmosphere of chaos.

   a staff of three do-nothings and one whirlwind; a whirlwind of activity at the stock exchange.

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adjective

1. like a whirlwind, as in speed or force.

   a whirlwind visit to New York.

   Synonyms:

   impulsive, hasty, breakneck, headlong

verb (used without object)

1. to move or travel quickly.

   You can't just whirlwind in and out of their lives and expect them to be OK with that.

idioms

1. (sow the wind and) reap the whirlwind, to suffer the penalties for one's misdeeds. Hosea 8:7.

whirlwind British  

/ ˈwɜːlˌwɪnd /

noun

1. a column of air whirling around and towards a more or less vertical axis of low pressure, which moves along the land or ocean surface

2. 1. a motion or course resembling this, esp in rapidity

   2. ( as modifier )

      a whirlwind romance

3. an impetuously active person

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Etymology

Origin of whirlwind

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Old Norse hvirfilvindr; cognate with German Wirbelwind

Example Sentences

"The past year has been a complete whirlwind for me and my family," he said.

From BBC

As a fan of “Bridgerton,” you will know that romances happen in a whirlwind phase, followed by grand gestures and declarations of love.

From MarketWatch

As a fan of “Bridgerton,” you will know that romances happen in a whirlwind phase, followed by grand gestures and declarations of love.

From MarketWatch

"The past year has been a complete whirlwind for me and my family. Honestly, it's changed our lives forever and we're forever grateful," he said.

From BBC

"It's been a crazy 24 hours, a whirlwind, as you can imagine, but also really enjoyable and really exciting," said McFarlane.

From BBC

Related Words

• dust devil
• tornado
• waterspout