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

For the filling, I like to keep things classic and a touch tangy: cream cheese whisked with sour cream until smooth and glossy, sweetened just enough with powdered sugar.

Read more on Salon

The experience left Mr. Rea feeling “like I was whisked to another universe in a different dimension.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In one of the more elaborate sequences mimicking the original we follow the Phantom as he whisks Christine down into the sewers and they board a boat amid swirling fog.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The president’s security detail rushed to the airport, and Ford was whisked out of California as fast as possible.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

McIlroy heard how quickly the crowd could turn when they booed him, playfully, for not signing any autographs as he was whisked to the 17th tee by organisers.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• dart 
• dash 
• hurry 
• whip 
• wipe