whirlwind
[ hwurl-wind, wurl- ]
/ ˈʰwɜrlˌwɪnd, ˈwɜrl- /
noun
any of several relatively small masses of air rotating rapidly around a more or less vertical axis and advancing simultaneously over land or sea, as a dust devil, tornado, or waterspout.
anything resembling a whirlwind, as in violent action or destructive force.
any circling rush or violent onward course.
adjective
like a whirlwind, as in speed or force: a whirlwind visit to New York.
verb (used without object)
to move or travel quickly.
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Nearby words
whirligig, whirligig beetle, whirling dervish, whirlpool, whirlpool bath, whirlwind, whirly, whirlybird, whirr, whirry, whish
Idioms
reap the whirlwind, to suffer the penalties for one's misdeeds. Hos. 8:7.
Origin of whirlwind
1300–50; Middle English < Old Norse hvirfilvindr; cognate with German Wirbelwind
SYNONYMS FOR whirlwind
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for whirlwind
British Dictionary definitions for whirlwind
whirlwind
/ (ˈwɜːlˌwɪnd) /
noun
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
- a motion or course resembling this, esp in rapidity
- (as modifier)a whirlwind romance
an impetuously active person
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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