When we talk about weather , a whirlwind is a very strong wind that moves in a spinning or swirling motion . Whirlwinds can cause great damage to trees , buildings , and other types of property . They can be violent . But they can also happen in a limited area and for a limited time . We can use whirlwind to describe things in our lives , too . These things happen in a confused rush . For example , a whirlwind day is filled with back-to-back activities . And all those activities happen very quickly . It is a frenzy ! Let's say your life has suddenly become very busy . You can say , “Lately , my life has been a whirlwind !” This can be good or bad . In life , whirlwinds involve many quickly changing events and feelings . Again , it is hard to keep track of everything that is happening . Sometimes we use whirlwind with other words , such as activity . For example , during elections the senator's office was always a “whirlwind of activity .” You can also make that activity specific . You can say , “The office was a whirlwind of political activity .” Let's say you had a day filled with a whirlwind of meetings . You had SO many meetings that the day is a blur . All the meetings happened quickly and seemed to run together . You can also use this word as an adjective . It describes something that is like a whirlwind especially in speed or force . So , if you find success as a singer , you may find yourself having a whirlwind , world-wide tour one day . One day , you may also find yourself in a whirlwind romance . This type of romance happens fast and is very exciting . Whirlwind romances usually are good subjects in movies . In real life , they may happen fast , seem crazy , and then end just as fast – like a weather whirlwind . (That is quite a tongue twister -- weather whirlwind !) Here's another example . I don't really like shopping – unless it's for food . But once , I had to go shopping to prepare for a friend's wedding . I had to buy a fancy dress , fancy shoes , and other fancy things to look , you know , fancy . I went to a big department store and was a whirlwind of careless shopping . After I left , every area was a mess ! A whirlwind can also describe something that happens violently and causes damages . Let's say I have friend who is beautiful , but is also a bit of a mess . Things always seem to go a little crazy with Cornelia . But you can't tell men that . They just don't listen . So , I've stopped trying . When men want to date her , I've learned just to mind my own business and watch the craziness happen . So , a whirlwind can be both a good or bad rush of activity . Hopefully for you … that's a good thing .