whist
1 Americannoun
interjection
adjective
noun
verb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
noun
interjection
Etymology
Origin of whist1
1655–65; earlier whisk, perhaps identical with whisk, though sense relationship uncertain
Origin of whist2
1350–1400, Middle English; imitative
Explanation
Whist is a card game for four players that's similar to bridge and hearts. If you enjoy crazy eights, you'll probably also like playing whist. Whist is a fairly simple game in which two pairs of partners team up to try and take as many tricks (sequences of cards played in one turn) as possible. To win a whist trick, you must play the highest card in a particular suit. Whist has many variations, one of which led to the invention of bridge. Whist may come from whisk, in the sense of whisking the cards away, or its obsolete meaning, "silence."
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.
"Whist the review makes very difficult reading, it resonates with what we have heard directly from staff," he added.
From BBC • Sep. 27, 2023
The crash took place near Old Central Avenue and Whist Place in the Capitol Heights area around noon Friday, said police spokesman Nicholas Clayton.
From Washington Post • Jun. 7, 2019
Joel Whist – “War for the Planet of the Apes,” “The BFG”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 25, 2018
The diagramed deal occurred 10 days ago at the Regency Whist Club in Manhattan.
From New York Times • Mar. 5, 2010
"Whist now, whist, Granny!" cried Mrs. M'Carty, coming in from the lean-to where she had been to bestow the insignia of her office, her board and tubs.
From The Misfit Christmas Puddings by Consolation, Club
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
