Whirlwind

/ˈwɜːlwɪnd/ · noun

Meaning

A windstorm of limited extent, such as a tornado, dust devil, or waterspout, characterized by an inward spiral motion of the air with an upward current in the center; a vortex of air..

Definitions by Sense

1. A windstorm of limited extent, such as a tornado, dust devil, or waterspout, characterized by an inward spiral motion of the air with an upward current in the center; a vortex of air.
2. (figurative) A person or body of objects or events sweeping violently onward.
3. Rapid and minimal.

Example Sentences

VVhile in the mean time there iſſued out on the Eaſt-ſide a ſtrong VVind, but pure and refreſhing, vvhich dividing into ſeveral parts that turned round became ſo many innocuous VVhirl-vvinds of ſincere Air, tinctured only vvith a cool refreſhing ſmell, as if it had paſſed over ſome large field of Lilies and Roſes.

And his hoofs ground the rocks to fire and dust, / His strong sides made the torrents rise in spray, / And turbulence, as if a whirlwind’s gust / Surrounded us; […]

Once he got that new scooter he turned into a whirlwind and damaged all the flowers.

The weeks leading up to the convention were a whirlwind of preparation and hurried activity.

swept up in the whirlwind of war

a whirlwind tour, a whirlwind romance

So you aren't deserting the Caversham ship. They'll understand. After all, their courtship was pretty whirlwind itself.

Synonyms for whirlwind

Antonyms for whirlwind

Related Words

Word Forms

• whirlwinds

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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