Whir: meaning, definitions and examples

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whir

[ wər ]

^{Context #1}

sound

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

Synonyms

buzz, hum, whizz

Examples of usage

The fan whirred quietly in the background.
The machine whirred as it printed out the documents.

^{Context #2}

sound

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

Synonyms

buzz, hum, whizz

Examples of usage

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

Translations

Translations of the word "whir" in other languages:

🇵🇹 zumbido

🇮🇳 घुंघरू

🇩🇪 Schwirren

🇮🇩 dengung

🇺🇦 дзижчання

🇵🇱 brzęczenie

🇯🇵 ブーン

🇫🇷 bourdonnement

🇪🇸 zumbido

🇹🇷 uğultu

🇰🇷 윙윙거림

🇸🇦 طنين

🇨🇿 bzučení

🇸🇰 bzučanie

🇨🇳 嗡嗡声

🇸🇮 brnenje

🇮🇸 suð

🇰🇿 ызылдау

🇬🇪 ბზუილი

🇦🇿 vızıltı

🇲🇽 zumbido

Word origin

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.