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Whir Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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whir

[wər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

sound

To make a low, continuous, regular sound like that of a small electric motor running.

Synonyms

buzz, hum, whizz.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
whir

Use whir to describe a soft, continuous sound, often produced by machinery or wings in motion.

  • The fan made a gentle whir as it rotated
  • The drone's whir signaled it was working properly
hum

Hum describes a low, steady sound, often produced by electrical devices, or people singing softly with their mouths closed.

  • The refrigerator emits a constant hum
  • She began to hum a familiar tune
buzz

Buzz can describe the sound bees make or a continuous, low-pitched hum, often associated with excitement, activity or electronics. This word can also be used metaphorically to indicate a lively atmosphere or rumors.

  • The bees were buzzing around the flowers
  • The city was buzzing with excitement during the festival
  • The phone buzzed with notifications
whizz

Whizz is used for a high-speed, sharp sound, often associated with rapid movement through the air. This word can also describe something or someone moving very quickly.

  • The arrow whizzed past his ear
  • She whizzed through her homework in record time

Examples of usage

  • The fan whirred quietly in the background.
  • The machine whirred as it printed out the documents.
Context #2 | Noun

sound

A low, continuous, regular sound like that of a small electric motor running.

Synonyms

buzz, hum, whizz.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
whir

Used to describe a continuous, soft sound, usually produced by something moving quickly or spinning, often associated with machines or small creatures like insects.

  • The ceiling fan began to whir softly as it started up.
  • The drone made a gentle whir as it hovered in the air.
hum

Describes a steady, continuous sound, often low-pitched. It can refer to machines, people singing softly, or even a general atmosphere of quiet activity.

  • The refrigerator hummed in the background.
  • He hummed a tune quietly while working.
  • The office had a constant hum of conversation.
buzz

Often signifies a vibrating sound made by insects like bees or devices like phones. It can also express excitement or activity.

  • The bees buzzed loudly around the flowers.
  • Her phone buzzed with a new message.
  • The room was buzzing with excitement before the concert started.
whizz

Indicates a swift, high-pitched sound made by something moving quickly through the air. It is typically associated with speed.

  • The car whizzed past us on the highway.
  • The arrow whizzed through the air and struck the target.

Examples of usage

  • The whir of the fan filled the room.
  • The whir of the machinery could be heard from a distance.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'whir'

The word 'whir' originated from Middle English 'whirren', which is imitative of the sound it represents. It has been used since the 14th century to describe the sound of something rapidly rotating or moving, such as a spinning wheel or a machine. Over time, it has become associated with the buzzing or humming noise produced by mechanical devices.

See also: whirl, whirligig, whirling, whirlpool, whirlwind.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,125 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.