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

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

All that whimsy and quirk might have been cloying, but the film has real things on its mind, including the mundane disappointments and insecurities of adult life. —Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 31 Jan. 2026

That restraint dissolves inside the rooms, where geometric wall treatments and pops of color introduce a welcome sense of whimsy. —Laura Itzkowitz, AFAR Media, 30 Jan. 2026

The cutesy, docile creature that’s associated with Disney princesses and scenic woodland whimsy is inspiring the latest nail art trend. —Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 28 Jan. 2026

Composed yet playful, a pink mid-century decor strikes the perfect balance of retro chic and whimsy. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 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