whirlwind

[ hwurl-wind, wurl- ]

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.

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.

whirlwind

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of whirlwind¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

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

Example Sentences

The first 100 days will be a whirlwind of policy proposals and changes.

From Salon

Ahead of a tell-all show at the Corn Exchange in Brighton, Stephens described his 20s as a “whirlwind” in which Rizzle Kicks had hits including Down With the Trumpets and Mama Do the Hump.

From BBC

Still maintaining multiple relationships, McDonald jetted off to the Middle East for what his partner believed was a whirlwind wedding mere weeks into their relationship.

From BBC

Milena says her year since quitting The Receipts has been a "whirlwind".

From BBC

The whirlwind of claims spreading online poses a challenge to election officials who are having to debunk rumours and reassure voters, while preparing to administer election day on Tuesday.

From BBC