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

It’s an approach to sustainable change that doesn’t depend on the whims or ego of any individual donor.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Anything can happen at the waterfront Phillip Island circuit, where riders are at the whim of often unpredictable weather, and sometimes wildlife, on a demanding track.

Read more on Barron's

We can’t sacrifice what has made us who we are to satisfy the whims of the government.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Many of these proposals have divided public opinion, and to ensure that changes are not just made on a whim there is an extensive legal process that needs to be completed.

Read more on BBC

The yuan is valued at the whim of a communist government.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• impulse 
• inclination 
• vagary