whimsy

noun

whim·​sy ˈ(h)wim-zē How to pronounce whimsy (audio)
variants or less commonly whimsey
plural whimsies also whimseys
Synonyms of whimsy
1
: whim, caprice
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

Synonyms of whimsy

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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.
Think of it like a recipe, maybe adding flowers to a frosted cake or sprinkling powdered sugar atop a sponge cake; Stewart's rose gold hair injects a sprinkle of the same whimsy into the last few weeks of summertime. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 10 Aug. 2026 And for pajama separates, something delicate but artistic like these charm necklaces from Agatha Paris adds a touch of whimsy. — Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Read on for what to pack—and how to add some whimsy—to your national park packing list, from the Everglades to Joshua Tree and beyond. — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Aug. 2026 Copenhagen’s wardrobe ethos, in particular, embraces a healthy dose of whimsy. — Kelsey Stewart, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

whimsied
whimsy
whimsy-whamsy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Whimsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whimsy. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

whimsy

noun
whim·​sy
variants also whimsey
ˈhwim-zē How to pronounce whimsy (audio)
ˈwim-
plural whimsies also whimseys
1
: whim, caprice
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

Nglish: Translation of whimsy for Spanish Speakers

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