This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
whir
or whirr
[ hwur, wur ]
/ ʰwɜr, wɜr /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used without object), whirred, whir·ring.
to go, fly, revolve, or otherwise move quickly with a humming or buzzing sound: An electric fan whirred softly in the corner.
verb (used with object), whirred, whir·ring.
to move or transport (a thing, person, etc.) with a whirring sound: The plane whirred them away into the night.
noun
an act or sound of whirring: the whir of wings.
QUIZ
TAKE JOY IN ACING THIS QUIZ ON “PRIDE” SYNONYMS
Hold your head up high as you embark on this quiz that explores some of the synonyms and meanings of “pride.”
Question 1 of 7
What does "dignity" mean?
Origin of whir
1350–1400; Middle English quirre (Scots ) <Scandinavian; compare Danish hvirre,Norwegian kvirra.See whirl
Words nearby whir
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use whir in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for whir
whir
whirr
/ (wɜː) /
noun
a prolonged soft swish or buzz, as of a motor working or wings flapping
a bustle or rush
verb whirs, whirrs, whirring or whirred
to make or cause to make a whir
Word Origin for whir
C14: probably from Scandinavian; compare Norwegian kvirra, Danish hvirre; see whirl
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012