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whirlwind
/ˈwɜːrlwɪnd/
violent circular wind
The whirlwind tore through the village, uprooting trees.
A strong, spinning wind caused massive destruction.
literal
a violent, spinning wind that moves in a circular motion
The tornado became a whirlwind, lifting cars off the ground.
A tornado is a type of whirlwind with extreme destructive power.
Often used metaphorically to describe fast-paced or chaotic events.
figurative
a series of events that happen very quickly and are difficult to control
Their wedding plans turned into a whirlwind of last-minute changes.
The wedding preparations became chaotic and overwhelming.
Common in business and personal contexts to describe rapid, uncontrollable activity.
Collocations
whirlwind romancea very fast, intense romantic relationshipwhirlwind toura brief, intensive visit or schedulewhirlwind campaigna fast-paced, high-energy promotional effort
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'tornado'
'Whirlwind' is a general term for spinning winds, while 'tornado' specifically refers to a violently rotating column of air. Use 'whirlwind' for broader contexts.
Gold Rule
Use 'whirlwind' for both literal and figurative meanings
While primarily a noun describing winds, it is widely used metaphorically to describe fast-paced events or emotions (e.g., 'a whirlwind of emotions').
Word Origin
From Middle English 'whirlen' (to whirl) + 'wind', first recorded in the 14th century. The compound form emerged from the combination of 'whirl' (a rapid circular motion) and 'wind' (moving air).
Usage Notes
Used literally for meteorological phenomena and figuratively for overwhelming situations. Avoid using 'whirlwind' for small or gentle winds.
Word Breakdown
whirl
rapid circular motion
rootwind
moving air
rootEnglish Dictionary