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.
The flouncy skirts with jagged edges of different lengths brings a touch of whimsy to any look. — Tessa Petak, InStyle, 1 Aug. 2026 Plus, the puff sleeves provide lightweight arm coverage for late-summer days and a welcome touch of whimsy. — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026 These little ceramic match holders bring whimsy to any room of your house, and are an affordable add to a gift basket for a friend or new neighbor. — Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 31 July 2026 But these days, with fewer businesses along the road, much of the art reads as a simpler expression of playfulness, of whimsy. — New York Times, 28 July 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 5 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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