whirlpool
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a powerful current of water that spins quickly in a circle, pulling things toward its center.
a vortex of water produced by the meeting of opposing currents or by a physical obstruction.
Simple“The small boat was nearly pulled under by the powerful whirlpool in the middle of the river.”
In context“Oceanographers studied the massive whirlpool that formed off the coast, noting how its centripetal force trapped surface debris for several days.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a large bathtub or small pool with bubbles and warm water that moves in circles to relax your muscles.
a therapeutic bath or hot tub equipped with underwater jets that circulate the water in a swirling motion.
Simple“After a long day of hiking, relaxing in the hotel whirlpool felt amazing.”
In context“The spa features a heated whirlpool designed to alleviate joint pain through controlled hydrotherapy and pressurized water circulation.”
Synonymshot tubjacuzzi - 03 C1 Advanced
a situation that is very busy, confusing, or difficult to escape.
a figurative state of turmoil, agitated excitement, or rapidly changing events that draws people in.
Simple“The young actor was suddenly caught in a whirlpool of fame and constant media attention.”
In context“The diplomat found himself drawn into a whirlpool of political intrigue, where every decision seemed to lead deeper into the conflict.”
From earlier whirlpoole, whirlpole, apparently from Middle English *whirlpole, potentially coalescing Old English hwierfel (“whirlpool”) and Old English hwierfepōl (“whirlpool”). Equivalent to whirl + pool. Cognate with Scots quhirlepole, whirle-pule (“whirlpool”). Compare also English whirlpit. Eclipsed non-native Middle English gurges (“whirlpool”), borrowed from Latin gurges (“whirlpool”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.