whimsy

noun

whim·​sy ˈ(h)wim-zē 

variants or less commonly whimsey

plural whimsies also whimseys

1

: whim, caprice

2

: the quality or state of being whimsical or fanciful

the designer's new line showed a touch of whimsy

3

: a fanciful or fantastic device, object, or creation especially in writing or art

Synonyms of whimsy

• whim
• humor
• caprice

Examples of whimsy in a Sentence

The designer's new line showed a touch of whimsy.

a bit of decorative whimsy

Recent Examples on the Web

He was known for his sense of whimsy, childlike wonder, and a love of the natural world—many of his preferred designs were based on flora and fauna and yielded fantastical images like mermaids, butterflies, and much more. — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026

Other Ways to Make Disney Magic Disney is a magical place—full of whimsy, wonder, and excitement. — Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 27 Sep. 2026

Fall also brings a seasonal dose of whimsy to downtown West Jefferson. — Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2026

The varying shapes and sizes give the manicure a whimsy, almost candy-like finish that catches the light from every angle. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 24 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

irregular from whim-wham

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

whimsy

noun

whim·​sy

variants also whimsey

ˈhwim-zē 

ˈwim-

plural whimsies also whimseys

1

: whim, caprice

2

: the quality or state of being whimsical or fanciful

the designer's new line of swimwear showed a touch of whimsy

3

: an imaginative or fantastic object or creation especially in a piece of writing or art