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 of whimsy

• whim
• humor
• caprice

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

His ability to balance earnestness and whimsy, dedication and delight, have reaped palpable benefits for SummerFest. —George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026

Teiichi Sakurai’s celebration of buckwheat, whimsy and clean technique at Tei-An. —Dallas Morning News, 29 Mar. 2026

Inside, the forest green walls, soft, cozy lighting and vintage decor only add to the element of whimsy. —Samantha Husted, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2026

Security strengthens as finance-conscious Venus conjoins fertile Chiron in your 2nd House of Logistics, bolstering your capacity to be practical without losing that characteristic Pisces whimsy. —Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Mar. 2026

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