whimsy

noun

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

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.
Vogue’s Favorite Freckle Pens In This Story But freckle pens aren’t just about whimsy or channeling your inner Marilyn Monroe—these clever tools have a practical side, too. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025 The brass hardware gives it a hint of an edge to balance out the rustic wood, while the scalloped details on the doors adds some whimsy to the mix. Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 4 Apr. 2025 Basketball paper lanterns: $13.99 (Amazon) Basketball paper lanterns can light up a room while also adding some whimsy to your space. Christopher Murray, Fox News, 13 Mar. 2025 Here’s another winner from Serena & Lily which plays with pompom accents in neutral hues for a dose of whimsy. Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 26 Mar. 2025 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

Cite this Entry

“Whimsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whimsy. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

whimsy

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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