Whirlpool Meaning
/ˈwɝlpul/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA swirling body of water.
nounA hot tub, a jacuzzi.
Sentence Examples
It has a big whirlpool and a strong current.
The boat fell into a whirlpool and overturned.
CEFR Practice Quiz
In the river, a dangerous ____ formed, pulling everything down.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The water formed a large ____ in the middle of the river after the heavy rain, a sight that was quite scary today.
Word Origin & History
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”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"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."
— 1995, Orange Coast Magazine, volume 21, number 6, page 56:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
In the river, a dangerous ____ formed, pulling everything down.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The water formed a large ____ in the middle of the river after the heavy rain, a sight that was quite scary today.