whirlpool

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”).

• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˈwɝlpul/, /ˈhwɝlpul/
• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈwɜːlpuːl/

• Audio (General Australian):

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• Hyphenation: whirl‧pool

whirlpool (plural whirlpools)

1. A swirling body of water.

   A whirlpool is an instance of a vortex produced by ocean tides, or by a hole underneath where the water would drain out, such as in a bathtub.

2. A hot tub, jacuzzi.
   • 1995, Orange Coast Magazine, volume 21, number 6, page 56:

     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.

3. A state of turmoil, or agitated excitement.

• whirlpool galaxy

whirlpool (third-person singular simple present whirlpools, present participle whirlpooling, simple past and past participle whirlpooled)

1. (intransitive) To spin or swirl like the water in a whirlpool.

• whirlpooling