whir
verb (used without object)
to go, fly, revolve, or otherwise move quickly with a humming or buzzing sound.
whirs
-
present tense formof whir (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
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.
Machinery whirs loudly as a rare-earth mixture is bathed in hydrochloric acid and gradually separated into pure oxides that can be shipped to customers.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 26, 2026
Next, Doc’s Rube Goldberg-ian breakfast contraption whirs to action with burned toast and a glop of overflowing dog food, implying that he and his dog Einstein have themselves been missing for a while.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 30, 2025
The plane’s propeller whirs, and Snoopy’s head swings around, up and down, scanning for any sign of his German foe.
From Salon ● Oct. 30, 2023
Sixteen men sit side by side on the cement floor, damp is seeping through the walls, a single fan whirs behind the cell bars, and there is one toilet behind a low wall.
From BBC ● Jul. 31, 2023
The board whirs and glows, and then a welcome message appears on the screen.
From "Out of My Mind" by Sharon M. Draper
