Whizz: meaning, definitions and examples

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whizz

[wɪz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

sound

A whizz is a high-pitched buzzing or humming sound.

Synonyms

buzz, hum, whir.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
whizz	Use this word to describe something moving very fast or the sound it makes while moving at high speed. The arrow whizzed past his ear. He watched the cars whizzing by on the highway.
buzz	This word is usually used to describe a continuous, low-pitched sound often associated with insects like bees, or to indicate excitement or activity. It can also have negative connotations when describing rumor or gossip. I could hear the buzz of the bees in the garden. There was a buzz of excitement in the air before the concert. The office was buzzing with rumors about the new boss.
hum	This word is typically used to describe a low, continuous sound, often associated with machines or people singing softly. The refrigerator hummed quietly in the background. She hummed a tune while she worked.
whir	This word describes a low, continuous sound made by something in rapid motion, often mechanical objects. The ceiling fan whirred gently above them. The drone made a soft whirring noise as it flew by.

Examples of usage

The whizz of the bullet as it flew past was deafening.
The whizz of the car engine filled the air with noise.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

speed

To whizz means to move quickly through the air with a humming or buzzing sound.

Synonyms

dart, rush, zoom.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
whizz	Usually used to describe something moving very quickly with a buzzing or hissing sound. Often used in the context of speed and expertise. The car whizzed past us in a blur. She is a whizz with computers, solving every problem in no time.
zoom	Used to describe something moving quickly with a whooshing or humming sound, often associated with vehicles or rapid camera movements. Can also mean to increase rapidly. The plane zoomed into the sky. The camera zoomed in to get a close-up shot.
dart	Implies a quick, sudden movement, often in a straight line. Commonly used for short, rapid movements. The cat darted across the room to catch the mouse. He darted out of the way just in time to avoid the ball.
rush	Indicates hurried movement or action, often implying urgency or lack of time. Can also mean a sudden surge or flow of something. We had to rush to catch the last train. The nurse rushed to the patient’s aid.

Examples of usage

The ball whizzed past the goalkeeper and into the net.
The car whizzed down the highway at top speed.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'whizz' first appeared in the English language in the early 20th century.
It may have roots in the sound 'whiz,' which mimics the noise of something moving quickly through the air.
In different contexts, 'whizz' can refer to someone very skilled in a particular area, especially in academics or technology.

Pop Culture

'Whizz' is often used in comic books and movies to depict superheroes racing or flying at high speeds.
The term has been popularized in various video games where characters or vehicles can 'whizz' around the environment quickly.
In the UK, 'whizz' is also slang for a drug that is used recreationally, which showcases its diverse meanings based on context.

Science

In physics, the concept of 'whizzing' relates to objects in motion, especially those with high velocity.
Aerodynamics studies the movement of air and how it interacts with solid bodies, which relates to how things 'whizz' through the air.
The sound associated with 'whizzing' can be explained by the Doppler effect, which observes how sound waves speed up or slow down depending on the observer's motion.

Literature

In literature, 'whizz' can evoke imagery of fast-paced action, commonly found in thrillers or adventure novels.
Popular children's books often use 'whizz' to describe characters with super speed, appealing to young readers' imaginations.
Writers sometimes use onomatopoeia like 'whizz' to create an exciting narrative, making readers feel the rush of the action.

Technology

In technology, the term is sometimes applied to describe fast processors in computers that perform calculations at high speeds.
Gadgets and vehicles marketed as 'whizzing' emphasize their speed and efficiency, attracting tech lovers.
The rise of drones has led to a new context for 'whizz,' as these devices can move quickly through various environments.

Translations

Translations of the word "whizz" in other languages:

🇵🇹 zumbido

🇮🇳 सीटी बजाना

🇩🇪 Zischen

🇮🇩 desis

🇺🇦 свист

🇵🇱 świst

🇯🇵 ヒュッ

🇫🇷 sifflement

🇪🇸 silbido

🇹🇷 ıslık

🇰🇷 휘파람

🇸🇦 صفير

🇨🇿 hvízdání

🇸🇰 pískanie

🇨🇳 呼啸

🇸🇮 žvižg

🇮🇸 hviss

🇰🇿 ысқырық

🇬🇪 სიტყვის გამოტოვება

🇦🇿 fit

🇲🇽 silbido

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,029, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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