whisk

[hwisk, wisk]

verb (used with object)

1. to move with a rapid, sweeping stroke.

   She whisked everything off the table with her arm.

2. to sweep (dust, crumbs, etc., or a surface) with a whisk broom, brush, or the like.

3. to draw, snatch, carry, etc., lightly and rapidly.

   He whisked the money into his pocket.

4. to whip (eggs, cream, etc.) to a froth with a whisk or beating instrument.

verb (used without object)

1. to sweep, pass, or go lightly and rapidly.

noun

1. an act of whisking.

2. a rapid, sweeping stroke; light, rapid movement.

3. whisk broom.

4. a small bunch of grass, straw, hair, or the like, especially for use in brushing.

5. an implement, usually a bunch of wire loops held together in a handle, for beating or whipping eggs, cream, etc.

whisk

/ wɪsk /

verb

1. (tr; often foll by away or off) to brush, sweep, or wipe off lightly

2. (tr) to move, carry, etc, with a light or rapid sweeping motion

   the taxi whisked us to the airport

3. (intr) to move, go, etc, quickly and nimbly

   to whisk downstairs for a drink

4. (tr) to whip (eggs, cream, etc) to a froth

noun

1. the act of whisking

2. a light rapid sweeping movement or stroke

3. a utensil, often incorporating a coil of wires, for whipping eggs, etc

4. a small brush or broom

5. a small bunch or bundle, as of grass, straw, etc

Other Word Forms

• unwhisked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of whisk¹

1325–75; (noun) Middle English ( Scots ) wysk rapid sweeping movement; (v.) earlier Scots wisk, quhisk < Scandinavian; compare Old Norse, Norwegian visk wisp, Swedish viska besom, wisp, to whisk (off ), Danish viske to wipe (compare Old High German wisken to wipe, wisc wisp of hay); for development of wh whip

Word History and Origins

Origin of whisk¹

C14: from Old Norse visk wisp; related to Middle Dutch wisch, Old High German wisc

Example Sentences

Video clips of him crouching and then being whisked away from a rally in the Copperbelt province shocked Zambians and many people, irrespective of their political affiliation, condemned what happened.

Read more on BBC

Cuzen Matcha Maker Gift Kit – Matcha is traditionally prepared with a stone mill and bamboo whisk, but lord knows most coffee shops you order it from are doing no such thing.

Read more on Salon

And if they call Ma, it wouldn’t be long before the Supreme Commander materializes outside the door, ready to whisk me home and end my night early.

Read more on Literature

Through pluck, luck, and a knack for the theatrical, Penelope and Simon had managed to discover those exact words shortly before Penelope was whisked away to Plinkst.

Read more on Literature

Deliveries were made five times daily, thanks to a fleet-footed army of postal workers who whisked the mail from here to there before one could say jackrabbit.

Read more on Literature

Related Words

• dart 
• dash 
• hurry 
• whip 
• wipe