whir
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /wɜːr/
KK: /wɜr/
intransitive verb
Definition
To move quickly and smoothly while making a low, continuous sound like a buzz or vibration.
Example
The drone began to whir as it took off into the sky.
Tense Forms
Past: whirred
Past Participle: whirred
Conversation
Did you hear that sound? It really started to whir when I turned it on.
Yeah, I noticed that too! What is it?
It's my new blender; it makes this cool noise when it works.
That's awesome! I can't wait to see what it can make.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
buzz
hum
drone
Antonyms
silence
still
calm
noun
Definition
A sound that is made by something moving quickly, often like a buzzing or vibrating noise.
Example
I could hear the whir of the fan as it cooled the room.
Conversation
Did you hear that whir from the blender earlier?
Yeah, it was so loud! What were you making?
Just a smoothie, but the whir always makes me laugh.
transitive verb
Definition
To make a low, continuous, vibrating sound, often associated with machinery or movement.
Example
The drone began to whir as it took off into the sky.
Tense Forms
Past: whirred
Past Participle: whirred
Conversation
Did you hear that sound coming from the kitchen?
Yeah, it sounds like the blender is whirring again.
I should probably check it before it overflows.
Root Explanation
The word 'whir' originates from Middle English 'whirren', which is imitative in nature, meaning to move rapidly with a whirring sound. It describes the action of something moving quickly and producing a sound like a buzz or a whirl.
Memory Tip
Imagine something moving quickly and making a buzzing sound — that's what 'whir' means.
Visually Confused Words
awhir
wir
whiner
upwhir
awhirl