ENGLISH
REFERENCE

whirlwind

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈhwɝɫˌwɪnd// UK //wˈɜːlwɪnd// whirl·wind

n. a situation that happens very fast and involves many different events or feelings. It can also mean a tall column of air that spins quickly, like a small tornado.

n. a situation or series of events characterized by rapid movement, high intensity, or chaotic energy. In a literal sense, refers to a column of air moving rapidly around a vertical axis.


SIMPLE

The couple got married after a whirlwind romance.

CONTEXTUAL

The first week at my new job was a whirlwind of meetings, training sessions, and introductions.

COMPLEX

The political campaign was a whirlwind of cross-country travel and televised debates that left the candidate exhausted but ahead in the polls.

Origin

From Middle English whirlewind, whirlewynde, equivalent to whirl + wind. Compare Middle Dutch wervelwint, Old Norse hvirfilvindr.

Usage

Often used as a modifier before another noun to describe something happening very quickly, such as 'a whirlwind tour' or 'a whirlwind romance'.

Idioms1 entry

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