whim

[hwim, wim]

noun

1. an odd or capricious notion or desire; a sudden or freakish fancy.

   a sudden whim to take a midnight walk.

   Synonyms: caprice, vagary, whimsy

2. capricious humor.

   to be swayed by whim.

whim

/ wɪm /

noun

1. a sudden, passing, and often fanciful idea; impulsive or irrational thought

2. a horse-drawn winch formerly used in mining to lift ore or water

Word History and Origins

Origin of whim¹

First recorded in 1635–45; short for whim-wham

Word History and Origins

Origin of whim¹

C17: from _whim-wham

Example Sentences

Athens is ruled by “the desire for political supremacy” and “the whims of the masses.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Now that Penelope had returned, Margaret would spend the rest of this lovely day cleaning fireplace grates, sweeping carpets, and tending to the whims of her high-strung mistress whenever Lady Constance rang the bell.

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"I think it's so ridiculous that your whole safety net and foundation can be pulled away on a whim of the landlord," Kerrie said.

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But a night photography class she took on a whim changed her medium, and her life.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Conversely, a style you might not have considered online but picked up on a whim could prove to be a surprise.

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Related Words

• impulse 
• inclination 
• vagary