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

The singer-songwriter was also refusing to compromise to the whims of male record producers.

Read more on BBC

The president has announced, delayed and imposed tariffs seemingly on a whim so far this year, citing “emergency” and “national security” concerns.

Read more on MarketWatch

“It will be more subject to the whims or preferences of whoever is in power — and in a liberal democracy, that is what you are striving to fight against.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He claims that pay and conditions were often dependent on the whim of managers.

Read more on BBC

The President gets angry at a TV ad and imposes on a whim a 10% tax on Americans who buy goods from their northern neighbor.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• impulse 
• inclination 
• vagary