whirlwind

UK: /ˈ^hwɜː^rlwɪnd/

US: /ˈhwɝlˌwɪnd, ˈwɝl-/

US: (hwûrl′wind′, wûrl′-)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

whirl•wind /ˈhwɜrlˌwɪnd, ˈwɜrl-/   n. [countable]

1. Meteorology a small mass of air that spins very quickly, as a tornado.
2. something resembling a whirlwind, as in having the power to damage things.

adj. 

3. like a whirlwind in speed or force.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

whirl•wind  (hwûrl′wind′, wûrl′-), n. 

1. Meteorology 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.
2. anything resembling a whirlwind, as in violent action or destructive force.
3. any circling rush or violent onward course.
4. Bible reap the whirlwind, to suffer the penalties for one's misdeeds. Hos. 8:7.

adj. 

5. like a whirlwind, as in speed or force:
   a whirlwind visit to New York.

v.i. 

6. to move or travel quickly.

• Old Norse hvirfilvindr; cognate with German Wirbelwind
• Middle English 1300–50

Synonyms

• 5. headlong, breakneck, hasty, impulsive.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

whirlwind / ˈwɜːlˌwɪnd/ noun

1. 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
2. a motion or course resembling this, esp in rapidity
3. (as modifier): a whirlwind romance
4. an impetuously active person