whisk

[ wisk, hwisk ]

verb (used with object)

1. to move with a rapid, sweeping stroke:

   She whisked everything off the table with her arm.

2. to sweep (dust, crumbs, etc., or a surface) with a whisk broom, brush, or the like.
3. to draw, snatch, carry, etc., lightly and rapidly:

   He whisked the money into his pocket.

4. to whip (eggs, cream, etc.) to a froth with a whisk or beating instrument.

verb (used without object)

1. to sweep, pass, or go lightly and rapidly.

noun

1. an act of whisking.
2. a rapid, sweeping stroke; light, rapid movement.
3. whisk broom.
4. a small bunch of grass, straw, hair, or the like, especially for use in brushing.
5. an implement, usually a bunch of wire loops held together in a handle, for beating or whipping eggs, cream, etc.

whisk

/ wɪsk /

verb

1. tr; often foll by away or off to brush, sweep, or wipe off lightly
2. tr to move, carry, etc, with a light or rapid sweeping motion

   the taxi whisked us to the airport

3. intr to move, go, etc, quickly and nimbly

   to whisk downstairs for a drink

4. tr to whip (eggs, cream, etc) to a froth

noun

1. the act of whisking
2. a light rapid sweeping movement or stroke
3. a utensil, often incorporating a coil of wires, for whipping eggs, etc
4. a small brush or broom
5. a small bunch or bundle, as of grass, straw, etc

Other Words From

• un·whisked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of whisk¹

1325–75; (noun) Middle English ( Scots ) wysk rapid sweeping movement; (v.) earlier Scots wisk, quhisk < Scandinavian; compare Old Norse, Norwegian visk wisp, Swedish viska besom, wisp, to whisk (off ), Danish viske to wipe (compare Old High German wisken to wipe, wisc wisp of hay); for development of wh whip

Word History and Origins

Origin of whisk¹

C14: from Old Norse visk wisp; related to Middle Dutch wisch, Old High German wisc

Example Sentences

You add the butter, sugar, vanilla extract and salt and whisk until its fluffy.

From Washington Post

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, or in a large bowl if using a handheld mixer, combine the butter, sugar, vanilla extract and salt.

From Washington Post

Pour the lemon juice in a stream down the side of the bowl and gradually start working it into the sugar with a whisk.

From Washington Post

Using a hand mixer with whisk attachment, start on low speed and gradually increase to medium-high, beating until soft peaks form.

From Washington Post

Pour the yolk-sugar mixture in the pot with the remaining dairy mixture and whisk until fully incorporated.

From Washington Post

Whisk in the half and half and season to taste with salt and pepper.

From The Daily Beast

Separate egg yolk and whites, add chocolate powder to egg whites and whisk.

From The Daily Beast

In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs and cook in a pan to scramble, remove from heat and sprinkle with cheese.

From The Daily Beast

Whisk together maple syrup and whiskey, add as much whiskey as desired.

From The Daily Beast

Silently, he moves to grab a kombo (a whisk broom instrument)—then, softly, he taps her shoulders and head.

From The Daily Beast

When we sat late, our maid-servant would indignantly whisk Judith off to bed––crying out upon us for our wickedness.

From Project Gutenberg

She had a whisk-broom in her hand, and stood a picture of gentle surprise.

From Project Gutenberg

I should have said 'Curving with a whisk' instead of merely 'Curving.'

From Project Gutenberg

Curtains should be shaken and brushed, with a whisk if they are of heavy material, with a softer brush if they are delicate.

From Project Gutenberg

His very cat knew it, and forebore to whisk her tail in the presence of the man of genius.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• dart
• dash
• hurry
• whip
• wipe