whirlwind

1 of 2

noun

whirl·​wind ˈ(h)wər(-ə)l-ˌwind How to pronounce whirlwind (audio)
1
: a small rotating windstorm of limited extent
2
a
: a confused rush : whirl
a whirlwind of meetings
b
: a violent or destructive force or agency

whirlwind

2 of 2

adjective

: resembling a whirlwind especially in speed or force
a whirlwind campaign
a whirlwind romance

Examples of whirlwind in a Sentence

Noun My life has been a whirlwind lately. He attended a whirlwind of meetings. Adjective The band went on a whirlwind concert tour. They were married after a whirlwind romance. We continued on at a whirlwind pace.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Gracie Hunt is feeling reflective after a whirlwind month. Athena Sobhan, People.com, 27 Feb. 2025 That whirlwind trajectory might explain Mitchell’s initial disbelief at finding himself among the NBA elite. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
Their whirlwind political alliance, however, quickly frayed and deteriorated into a bitter feud in an Asian democracy that has long been hamstrung by clashing political clans. arkansasonline.com, 13 Feb. 2025 The new pictures come after Brittany and Patrick returned back home to the U.S. from their whirlwind European trip to several countries including Spain, Portugal, Italy, England, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 11 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for whirlwind

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1614, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of whirlwind was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Whirlwind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whirlwind. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

whirlwind

1 of 2 noun
whirl·​wind -ˌwind How to pronounce whirlwind (audio)
: a small windstorm of rapidly rotating air

whirlwind

2 of 2 adjective
: resembling a whirlwind especially in speed or force
a whirlwind campaign
a whirlwind romance

More from Merriam-Webster on whirlwind

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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