whirlpool

whirlpool — noun

1. a fast, circular flow of water in an ocean, river, or lake that creates a centre

1.名詞B1
釋義

a fast, circular flow of water in an ocean, river, or lake that creates a centre with a strong downward force, capable of pulling floating objects beneath the surface

例句

The fishermen knew that a dangerous whirlpool could form near the cliffs after a storm.

collocation: dangerous whirlpool

As the boat drifted closer, Owen saw the whirlpool pulling foam into its centre.

whirlpool + pulling + objects into centre

同義詞
  • vortex

    a more scientific or technical term for any spinning mass, not limited to water

  • eddy

    a smaller, gentler circular current, opposite of the strong pull of a whirlpool

  • maelstrom

    a very large, powerful, and dangerous whirlpool; used for dramatic effect

文法句型

a/the + whirlpool + verb (forms, appears, pulls)

in/into + a/the + whirlpool

whirlpool + of + noun (whirlpool of water)

用法筆記

This sense covers everything from small, brief whirlpools that appear near docks or river bends to large, dangerous natural phenomena like maelstroms. 'Whirlpool' is the general term; 'maelstrom' refers specifically to a very large and powerful whirlpool.

常見錯誤

❌The swimmer was caught in a whirlwind and pulled under.
✅The swimmer was caught in a whirlpool and pulled under.
💡A 'whirlwind' is a spinning column of air on land; a 'whirlpool' is a spinning current in water.

2. a situation or period of life that feels confusing and out of control, with many

2.名詞B2
釋義

a situation or period of life that feels confusing and out of control, with many events, emotions, or demands happening at once, making it hard to see a way out

例句

After losing her job, Antonia felt trapped in a whirlpool of worry and unpaid bills.

a whirlpool of + negative nouns (worry, bills)

The young actor was suddenly caught in a whirlpool of fame, interviews, and celebrity parties.

caught in a whirlpool of + fame-related nouns

同義詞
  • turmoil

    focuses on the internal emotional state rather than the external situation; less visual

  • chaos

    emphasizes a complete lack of order; does not carry the sense of being pulled downward

  • confusion

    milder and more everyday; lacks the dramatic, swirling force implied by whirlpool

反義詞
  • calm

    a state of peace and quiet, the opposite of chaotic activity

  • order

    structured and predictable, the opposite of confusion and lack of control

文法句型

a whirlpool of + noun phrase (emotions, activity, gossip)

caught/trapped in a whirlpool of + noun

verb + into a whirlpool of + noun

用法筆記

This figurative use is common in journalism and literature. The image suggests being pulled in many directions at once, with no control over the movement. It is stronger than 'confusion' and implies active, swirling pressure from external forces.

常見錯誤

❌The project was a whirlpool of activity, but we managed it well.
✅The project became a whirlpool of activity.
💡Use 'became', 'turned into', or 'descended into' rather than 'was' to emphasize the sense of being drawn into a situation that grows more overwhelming.

3. a bath or small pool fitted with jets that push warm water through the water, cr

3.名詞B1
釋義

a bath or small pool fitted with jets that push warm water through the water, creating a mass of bubbles for relaxation and muscle relief

例句

After the long hike, Vivek relaxed his sore muscles in the hotel's whirlpool.

relax + in + a/the + whirlpool

The apartment came with a large bathroom that included a whirlpool tub.

whirlpool + tub as facility feature

同義詞
  • Jacuzzi

    a brand name commonly used in everyday speech to mean any whirlpool bath

  • spa pool

    a more formal term often used in hotels, resorts, and health centres

  • hot tub

    usually a wooden, outdoor version with hot water but sometimes fewer jet features

文法句型

use/enjoy/relax in + a/the + whirlpool

whirlpool + bath/tub/spa (compound noun)

a + adjective + whirlpool (heated whirlpool, outdoor whirlpool)

用法筆記

In everyday conversation, people often use the brand name 'Jacuzzi' to refer to this type of bath. 'Hot tub' is also common but usually refers to a wooden, outdoor version. 'Whirlpool' in this sense is very frequently used as part of a compound noun: whirlpool bath, whirlpool tub, or whirlpool spa.

常見錯誤

❌There is a whirlpool in the kitchen sink.
✅There is a whirlpool tub in the bathroom.
💡A kitchen sink does not have whirlpool jets; 'whirlpool' in this sense always refers to a bathtub or spa pool, not a drain current.