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Added 9 October 2026

whirlpool

/ˈwɝlpul/ noun

In Latin: gurges, vortex, vertex Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about whirlpool at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

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.
A hot tub, a jacuzzi.
A state of turmoil or agitated excitement.

verb

To spin or swirl like the water in a whirlpool.

Origin

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”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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