whirlpool
noun
whirl·pool
ˈ(h)wər(-ə)l-ˌpül 
1
a
: a confused tumult and bustle : whirl
b
: a magnetic or impelling force by which something may be engulfed
… refusing to be drawn into this whirlpool of intrigue …—
A. D. White
A. D. White2
b
Examples of whirlpool in a Sentence
The swimmer was caught in a whirlpool and nearly drowned.
in The Odyssey, Ulysses is trapped between the six-headed monster Scylla and Charybdis, a deadly whirlpool that threatens to suck in his ship
Recent Examples on the Web
There’s also a whirlpool and decent-sized pool (with dedicated family hours) surrounded by loungers, a seasonal outdoor terrace with city views, and a gym outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
Hero of the Seas also expands on the cruise line’s family suites with Ultimate Family Treehouse, a three-deck stay with a rooftop terrace and private whirlpool, a two-deck teen space and two main bedrooms each with their own bathroom and balcony.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026
The ship will also feature an Ultimate Family Treehouse suite, with a rooftop terrace, private whirlpool and dedicated teen space spanning two decks, among other features.
—Nathan Diller, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
Trapping light inside liquid crystal whirlpools The team drew inspiration from quantum physics, where electrons occupy specific energy levels inside atoms.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for whirlpool
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
Hero of the Seas also expands on the cruise line’s family suites with Ultimate Family Treehouse, a three-deck stay with a rooftop terrace and private whirlpool, a two-deck teen space and two main bedrooms each with their own bathroom and balcony.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026
The ship will also feature an Ultimate Family Treehouse suite, with a rooftop terrace, private whirlpool and dedicated teen space spanning two decks, among other features.
—Nathan Diller, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
Trapping light inside liquid crystal whirlpools The team drew inspiration from quantum physics, where electrons occupy specific energy levels inside atoms.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for whirlpool
Cite this Entry
“Whirlpool.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whirlpool. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
whirlpool
noun
whirl·pool
ˈhwər(-ə)l-ˌpül
ˈwər(-ə)l-
1
: water moving rapidly in a circle with a hollow in the center into which floating objects are drawn : eddy
2
Medical Definition
whirlpool
noun
whirl·pool
ˈhwər(-ə)l-ˌpül, ˈwər(-ə)l-
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
