whimsy

noun

whim·​sy ˈ(h)wim-zē 

variants or less commonly whimsey

plural whimsies also whimseys

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

• bee
• caprice
• crank
• fancy
• freak
• humor
• kink
• maggot
• megrim
• notion
• vagary
• vagrancy
• whim

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

Birdsong floats softly in the background, adding a touch of whimsy, while Smith’s signature stripes and vibrant ornaments transform the tree into a visual masterpiece. —Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024

The night felt cathartic for those who have had their hearts broken, and Carpenter delivered a great balance of whimsy and passion. —Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 14 Nov. 2024

Looking to add a bit of whimsy to your front door or gift the ultimate housewarming present? —Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2024

Its conclusions, though daubed with Dickensian whimsy and child’s-eye uplift, are remarkably tough and unyielding. —Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

irregular from whim-wham

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

whimsy

noun

whim·​sy

variants also whimsey

ˈhwim-zē 

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