What is the Latin word for whirlpool?

The usual Latin words for “whirlpool” are vertex, gurges, vorāgō. The right choice depends on the sense; see the distinctions below.

English → Latin

“whirlpool” in Latin

vertexwhirl, whirlpool, eddy, vortex; eddy of wind or flame, whirlwind, coil of flame; top, crown of the head gurgeswhirlpool, eddy; gulf; abyss vorāgōabyss, chasm, whirlpool, deep hole, pit

Riddle & Arnold A Copious and Critical English–Latin Lexicon, 1864

whirlpool

vortex (the proper word): gurges (a strong eddy): vorago (an abyss).

Quick answer

What is the Latin word for whirlpool?: The usual Latin words for “whirlpool” are vertex, gurges, vorāgō. The right choice depends on the sense; see the distinctions below.

Entry from J. E. Riddle & T. K. Arnold, A Copious and Critical English–Latin Lexicon (rev. C. Anthon, New York: Harper, 1864), digitised by Fergus J. P. Walsh, CC BY-SA 4.0; Latin markup adapted by latindictionary.co.