First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1wisp
noun \ˈwisp\
: a thin streak of smoke, mist, etc.
: a thin thread or strand of something (such as hair)
: a small amount of something
Full Definition of WISP
1
: a small handful (as of hay or straw)
2
a : a thin strip or fragment b : a thready streak <a wisp of smoke> c : something frail, slight, or fleeting <a wisp of a girl> <a wisp of a smile>
3
archaic : will-o'-the-wisp
— wisp·i·ly \ˈwis-pə-lē\ adverb
— wisp·i·ness \ˈwis-pē-nəs\ noun
— wispy \ˈwis-pē\ adjective
See wisp defined for English-language learners
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Origin of WISP
Middle English
2wisp
verb
Definition of WISP
transitive verb
1
: to roll into a wisp
2
: to make wisps of <a cigarette wisping smoke at the corner of his mouth — Raymond Chandler>
intransitive verb
: to emerge or drift in wisps <her hair began to wisp into her eyes — Mary Manning>
First Known Use of WISP
1753
WISPY Defined for Kids
wisp
noun \ˈwisp\
Definition of WISP for Kids
1
: a thin piece or strand <wisps of hair>
2
: a thin streak <wisps of smoke>
3
: a small amount of something <There was a wisp of a smile on her face.>
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