English Explanatory Dictionary

whirlpool

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A swirling body of water.
  2. A hot tub, a jacuzzi.
  3. A state of turmoil, or agitated excitement.
verb
  1. To spin or swirl like the water in a whirlpool.

Pronunciation

/ˈwɝlpul/ /ˈhwɝlpul/ /ˈwɜːlpuːl/ en-au-whirlpool.ogg

Word forms

whirlpool whirlpools whirlpooling whirlpooled

Etymology

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”).

Derived words

whirlpool bath whirlpool galaxy whirlpooling
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