variants
also whirr
as in hum
a monotonous sound like that of an insect in motion
a whir coming from the refrigerator
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
variants
also whirr
as in to hum
to fly, turn, or move rapidly with a fluttering or vibratory sound
the hummingbird whirred as it hovered over a flower our tires whirred as we traveled over the rough road
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of whir
Literary Hub, 15 Dec. 2025
Her vocals drift on the fluttery synth that swells as the bass whirs.
—Pitchfork, 10 Dec. 2025
Sara James, NBC news, 16 Dec. 2025
In the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter, Felipe’s Heladería hums with a nostalgic rhythm—whirring blenders, clinking spoons, and that telltale chorus of people debating toppings.
—Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for whir
Noun
Fireflies blipped and burned out, and the cicadas joined in an incantation that crescendoed into an ancient whirr.
—Literary Hub, 15 Dec. 2025
Her vocals drift on the fluttery synth that swells as the bass whirs.
—Pitchfork, 10 Dec. 2025
Verb
Many stood silently beneath the waning moon, police helicopters whirring overhead.
—Sara James, NBC news, 16 Dec. 2025
In the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter, Felipe’s Heladería hums with a nostalgic rhythm—whirring blenders, clinking spoons, and that telltale chorus of people debating toppings.
—Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for whir
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whir
Noun
-
The tread of the guards sweeping through the galleries, the hum of the central air, the golden light falling unwitnessed through the great glass windows in the lobby.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
-
The New Empire) plays Claire, a teacher who begins to hear a low hum that no one else around her seems to notice.—
Rick Porter,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Someone buzzed him into the senate offices.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Ibeh delivered a flurry of shots, which caused the crowd to buzz.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Washington delivers the dialogue with a thrilling range from purrs to roars, all imbued with an authoritative swagger.—
Brady Brickner-Wood,
New Yorker,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Geography and tragedy unite them, as does the purr of comfort inherent in their cooking.—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Whir.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whir. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
