whisk

1 of 2

noun

ˈ(h)wisk 

1

: a quick light brushing or whipping motion

2

a

: a usually wire kitchen utensil used for beating food by hand

b

: a flexible bunch (as of twigs, feathers, or straw) attached to a handle for use as a brush

whisk

2 of 2

verb

whisked; whisking; whisks

intransitive verb

: to move nimbly and quickly

transitive verb

1

: to move or convey briskly

whisked the children off to bed

2

: to mix or fluff up by or as if by beating with a whisk

whisk egg whites

3

: to brush or wipe off lightly

Synonyms

Noun

• swish
• switch
• wag
• waggle

Verb

• accelerate
• bundle
• fast-track
• hasten
• hurry
• quicken
• rush
• speed (up)

Examples of whisk in a Sentence

Noun

with a whisk of the broom, the dirt was gone

Verb

Whisk the eggs with the cream until the mixture thickens.

She whisked the children off to bed.

The taxi whisked me to the airport.

The waitress whisked my plate away before I was finished eating.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Once the butter has melted, remove it from the heat and whisk in powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and well combined. —Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 21 Sep. 2024

Using the whisk, gently knead the matcha into the water and then whisk in a vigorous Z pattern until a foam appears. —Kate Kassin, Bon Appétit, 6 Sep. 2024

Verb

Convection is also the likely instigator of stellar winds, or rapid winds that can whisk elements made by the star into space to help create new stars and planets. —Ashley Strickland, CNN, 11 Sep. 2024

As someone who is long overdue for an exotic vacation, discovering a scent that can whisk me away to a tropical paradise with just one spritz is pure bliss. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 16 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English wisk, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse visk wisp; akin to Old English wiscian to plait

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Phrases Containing whisk

• fly whisk
• whisk broom

Kids Definition

whisk

1 of 2 noun

ˈhwisk 

ˈwisk

1

: a quick brush or sweep

a whisk of the hand

2

: a small kitchen utensil used for beating food

3

: whisk broom

whisk

2 of 2 verb

1

: to move easily and quickly

squirrels whisked up the trees

2

: to move or carry briskly

whisked the children off to bed

3

: to mix or fluff up by or as if by beating with a whisk

whisk eggs

4

: to brush or wipe off lightly

whisk the lint off your skirt