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

Method Combine the miso, saké, mirin, sugar and mayo in a small bowl, stirring with a fork or small whisk until no lumps remain. —The Week Uk, theweek, 8 Nov. 2024

Remove from heat and whisk in the salt and vanilla extract. —Darcy Lenz, Southern Living, 9 Oct. 2024

Verb

In a separate bowl or large glass measuring cup, whisk together the milk, coconut, and eggs. —Darcy Lenz, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2024

This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will whisk you on a musical journey through Toronto’s historic and vibrant neighborhoods. —Miriam Porter, Forbes, 5 Nov. 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