How to pronounce whirlpool
Say it like WURL-pool. Whirlpool has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WURL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce whirlpool. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- WURL
- pool
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Whirlpool pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- WURLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- poolKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
American vs British pronunciation of whirlpool
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: WURL-pool.
What does whirlpool mean?
- A swirling body of water.“A whirlpool is an instance of a vortex produced by ocean tides, or by a hole underneath where the water would drain out, such as in a bathtub.”
- A hot tub, a jacuzzi.
- A state of turmoil or agitated excitement.
- To spin or swirl like the water in a whirlpool.
Where does whirlpool come from?
Eclipsed non-native Middle English gurges (“whirlpool”), borrowed from Latin gurges (“whirlpool”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying whirlpool
How do you pronounce whirlpool?
Say WURL-pool. The American pronunciation is /ˈwɝlpul/. In British English it is /ˈwɜːlpuːl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in whirlpool?
Whirlpool has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WURL). Broken into parts: WURL · pool.
Is whirlpool pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈwɜːlpuːl/ (WURL-pool).