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noun

whirlpool

WURL-pool
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Whirlpool (noun) means a powerful, swirling current of water that pulls objects toward its centre. Example: “The boat narrowly avoided the whirlpool near the rocks.”

noun
1
A powerful, swirling current of water that pulls objects toward its centre.
"The boat narrowly avoided the whirlpool near the rocks."
2
A hot tub or jacuzzi with jets that create swirling water.
"The meatloaf has been cooking in the oven for the last hour and should be ready just about the time George climbs out of the whirlpool." — Orange Coast Magazine (1995)
"The hotel spa has a whirlpool where guests can relax after their swim."

How to use whirlpool

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA spinning current of water, or, informally, a jacuzzi-style hot tub.

Common pairings
caught in a whirlpool whirlpool bath
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Word forms

Plural
whirlpools
Third person singular
whirlpools
Past tense
whirlpooled
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The boat narrowly avoided the _____ near the rocks.

Etymology

A compound of whirl and pool, describing water that spins around itself instead of flowing straight.

Related words

Rhymes for whirlpool

See all rhymes for whirlpool →

Frequently asked questions

What does “whirlpool” mean?
The word “whirlpool” means a powerful, swirling current of water that pulls objects toward its centre. In plain terms, a spinning current of water, or, informally, a jacuzzi-style hot tub.
How do you pronounce “whirlpool”?
“Whirlpool” is pronounced WURL-pool (/ˈwɝlpul/ in IPA).
How do you use “whirlpool” in a sentence?
Here is “whirlpool” used in a sentence: “The boat narrowly avoided the whirlpool near the rocks.”
What part of speech is “whirlpool”?
“Whirlpool” is a noun.
How many meanings does “whirlpool” have?
“Whirlpool” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a powerful, swirling current of water that pulls objects toward its centre.

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