whirlwind
[ hwurl-wind, wurl- ]
/ ˈʰwɜrlˌwɪnd, ˈwɜrl- /
noun
any of several relatively small masses of air rotating rapidly around a more or less vertical axis and advancing simultaneously over land or sea, as a dust devil, tornado, or waterspout.
anything resembling a whirlwind, as in violent action or destructive force.
any circling rush or violent onward course.
adjective
like a whirlwind, as in speed or force: a whirlwind visit to New York.
verb (used without object)
to move or travel quickly.
Idioms for whirlwind
reap the whirlwind,
to suffer the penalties for one's misdeeds. Hos. 8:7.
Origin of whirlwind
1300–50; Middle English < Old Norse
hvirfilvindr; cognate with German
Wirbelwind
SYNONYMS FOR whirlwind
Words nearby whirlwind
whirligig,
whirligig beetle,
whirling dervish,
whirlpool,
whirlpool bath,
whirlwind,
whirly,
whirlybird,
whirr,
whirry,
whish
Example sentences from the Web for whirlwind
British Dictionary definitions for whirlwind
whirlwind
/ (ˈwɜːlˌwɪnd) /
noun
a column of air whirling around and towards a more or less vertical axis of low pressure, which moves along the land or ocean surface
- a motion or course resembling this, esp in rapidity
- (as modifier)a whirlwind romance
an impetuously active person