whirlpool

[ hwurl-pool, wurl- ]

noun

1. water in swift, circular motion, as that produced by the meeting of opposing currents, often causing a downward spiraling action.
2. whirlpool bath.
3. Heraldry. gurge ( def 2 ).

whirlpool

/ ˈwɜːlˌpuːl /

noun

1. a powerful circular current or vortex of water, usually produced by conflicting tidal currents or by eddying at the foot of a waterfall
2. something resembling a whirlpool in motion or the power to attract into its vortex
3. short for whirlpool bath

whirlpool

/ wûrl′po̅o̅l′ /

1. A rapidly rotating current of water or other liquid that sucks everything near it toward its center. The meeting of two tides can create a whirlpool.

Word History and Origins

Origin of whirlpool¹

1520–30; whirl + pool ¹; compare late Old English hwyrfepōl

Example Sentences

He is of course, referring to Homer's epic poem that follows the travels of Odysseus and his crew, who faced perils such a the monster Scylla and giant whirlpool Charybdis.

From Salon

Yet like a spiraling whirlpool, a black hole is currently removing so much gas from Pablo's Galaxy that it can no longer normally form stars.

From Salon

A group of friends was canyoneering Friday near the Seven Teacups Trail in Tulare County when one got caught in a whirlpool.

From Los Angeles Times

Minutes later three people were dead, having been caught in a whirlpool and drowning while trying to save one another.

From Los Angeles Times

From the helicopter windows, her eyes fall on the jagged edge of the Donjek glacier: meltwater swirls out from beneath the ice like a whirlpool.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• eddy
• maelstrom
• vortex