whir
whir Lexical Profile
whir Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A low, continuous, regular sound made by a rapidly rotating or vibrating object, such as a fan, motor, or beating wings.
"The quiet of the library was broken only by the gentle whir of the ceiling fans."
A state of rapid, bustling activity or mental commotion.
"Her mind was in a complete whir after receiving three job offers on the same afternoon."
• verb
To make a low, continuous, regular sound while moving, spinning, or vibrating rapidly (of a machine, wheel, or winged creature).
"A tiny hummingbird whirred past the kitchen window and hovered beside the red feeder."
Word Nuance & Usage
Spelled "whir" primarily in American English and "whirr" in British English; both forms double the final 'r' in inflected forms like "whirred" and "whirring".
• Rhymes for whir
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in Middle English in the late 14th century, likely of Scandinavian and imitative origin, related to Danish hvirre ('to whirl or twirl').