whir
verb (used without object)
to go, fly, revolve, or otherwise move quickly with a humming or buzzing sound.
whirred
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past participleof whir.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof whir.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
whirverb (used without object)to go, fly, revolve, or otherwise move quickly with a humming or buzzing sound.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The prototype, called a Zirka, reached a top speed of 280 miles an hour as its propellers whirred frantically.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026
Pasta sauces found richness from cannellini beans or chickpeas, whirred until smooth.
From Salon ● Mar. 25, 2026
As a three-hour program — Knight opened at 7 p.m. on the dot — Sunday’s show moved quickly, with a rotating stage that whirred to life after each woman’s set.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 12, 2025
Tens of thousands of pounds were donated to help relatives, mountains of flowers and teddy bears were laid in tribute and community groups whirred into action to provide support for those on the ground.
From BBC ● Dec. 11, 2023
The only alarm came when they startled four partridges, which whirred away over the hedge to the west and sailed down, spread-winged, into the field beyond.
From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams
