Whir: meaning, definitions and examples

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 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 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 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

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.

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.

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.

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.