whirlpool

CEFRB2

/ˈwɝlpul/

noun · verb

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    noun

    A fast circular movement of water that pulls things inward.

  2. 02

    noun

    Extra detail

    A hot tub, a jacuzzi.

Examples

  • It has a big whirlpool and a strong current.

  • The boat fell into a whirlpool and overturned.

At a glance

Sits at B2 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
2
Citations
1

Also pronounced

  • /ˈhwɝlpul/
  • /ˈwɜːlpuːl/

Deep Dive

noun

Extra meanings

  1. A state of turmoil, or agitated excitement.

  2. A swirling body of water.

verb

Extra meaning

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

More examples

In context

  • 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.

  • 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.

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

In the river, a dangerous blank formed, pulling everything down.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

noun

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”).