Whirr: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”Š
Add to dictionary

whirr

 

[ wษชr ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

sound making

To whirr means to make a low, continuous, rapid sound, often like that of a machine or insect. This term often describes the noise produced by mechanical devices when they are operating. It can also refer to the sound made by objects moving quickly through the air. The action of whirring can evoke a sense of speed and activity, in contrast to stillness.

Synonyms

buzz, hum, whistle

Examples of usage

  • The fan began to whirr as it turned on.
  • The drone whirred overhead, capturing stunning aerial footage.
  • The old clock would whirr and tick in the quiet room.

Translations

Translations of the word "whirr" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น zumbido

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค—เฅ‚เค‚เคœเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Surren

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ berdesir

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะณัƒะดั–ั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ brzฤ™czenie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ฆใ‚ฃใƒผใƒณใจใ„ใ†้Ÿณ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท vrombissement

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ zumbido

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท cฤฑzฤฑrdama

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์œ™์œ™๊ฑฐ๋ฆฌ๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฏูˆูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ huฤenรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ bzuฤanie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ—กๅ—กๅฃฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ brnenje

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ surr

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะณาฏั€ั–ะปะดะตัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒ–แƒฃแƒ˜แƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zฤฑngฤฑldama

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ zumbido

Etymology

The word 'whirr' originated in the late 17th century, likely a blend of imitative sounds that reflect the action being described. It is believed to be an onomatopoeic word, meaning it phonetically imitates the sound associated with the concept it represents. The initial usage was likely in reference to the sounds made by spinning or moving objects, particularly in the context of machinery. As technology evolved, so did the application of 'whirr' to describe various mechanical sounds, extending to everything from household appliances to vehicles. The spelling has remained consistent, emphasizing its roots in natural sound imitation and its enduring relevance in both mechanical and natural contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,155 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.