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Definition of whimsy

whimsy

/ˈwɪm.zi/
whim · sy
Adverb:whimsically
•
Plural:whimsies
•
Adjective:whimsical
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whimsy Lexical Profile

whimsy Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Playfully quaint or fanciful behavior or humor.

Example

"The children's book was praised for its gentle whimsy and imaginative illustrations."

2

A capricious or eccentric idea, impulse, or fancy.

Example

"Leaving his corporate career to open a bakery on a remote island seemed like a sudden whimsy to his colleagues."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for whimsy

• Nearby Words

whimsical
whimsicality
whimsically
whimsy
whinchat
whine
whiner

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the early 17th century, probably as an abbreviation of the obsolete expression 'whim-wham' (meaning a fanciful object or trifle), which itself is thought to be of Scandinavian origin and related to Old Norse 'hvima' (to wander with the eyes).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Whimsy. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/whimsy
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