whimsy

noun

whim·​sy ˈ(h)wim-zē How to pronounce whimsy (audio)
variants or less commonly whimsey
plural whimsies also whimseys
1
2
: the quality or state of being whimsical or fanciful
the designer's new line showed a touch of whimsy
3
: a fanciful or fantastic device, object, or creation especially in writing or art

Examples of whimsy in a Sentence

The designer's new line showed a touch of whimsy. a bit of decorative whimsy
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Kahane’s manner is, like his music, unpretentious, though shot through with dark humor and whimsy. Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2024 Fornasetti's artistry brings such a fun touch of whimsy to any home. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2024 The exterior also introduces the air of whimsy that went into the design, with the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot plated in silver and gold in such a way as to suggest that the sculpture is 'really' made of gold, under a silver disguise that has worn away. David Szondy, New Atlas, 30 Oct. 2024 The score, composed and performed by the Blasting Company, carries the warmth and whimsy of real instruments and spans a variety of genres but all would sound at home on an antique record player. Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for whimsy 

Word History

Etymology

irregular from whim-wham

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of whimsy was in 1605

Dictionary Entries Near whimsy

Cite this Entry

“Whimsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whimsy. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

whimsy

noun
whim·​sy
variants also whimsey
ˈhwim-zē How to pronounce whimsy (audio)
ˈwim-
plural whimsies also whimseys
1
2
: the quality or state of being whimsical or fanciful
the designer's new line of swimwear showed a touch of whimsy
3
: an imaginative or fantastic object or creation especially in a piece of writing or art

More from Merriam-Webster on whimsy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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