Dictionary
1whir
verb \ˈhwər, ˈwər\
whirredwhir·ring
Definition of WHIR
intransitive verb
: to fly, revolve, or move rapidly with a whir <hummingbirds whirring past>
transitive verb
: to move or carry rapidly with a whir
See whir defined for kids Variants of WHIR
whir also whirr \ˈhwər, ˈwər\
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Origin of WHIR
Middle English (Scots) quirren, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Dan hvirre to whirl, whir
First Known Use: 15th century
2whir
noun
: the sound made by something that is spinning very fast
Full Definition of WHIR
: a continuous fluttering or vibratory sound made by something in rapid motion <the whir of machinery>
See whir defined for English-language learners
Variants of WHIR
whir also whirr
First Known Use of WHIR
1677
WHIR Defined for Kids
1whir
verb \ˈhwər, ˈwər\
whirredwhir·ring
Definition of WHIR for Kids
: to fly, operate, or turn rapidly with a buzzing sound <… the machines stopped whirring, and from then on, not a single chocolate … was made. — Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory>
2whir
noun
Definition of WHIR for Kids
: a buzzing sound made by something spinning or operating quickly
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