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

• bee
• caprice
• crank
• fancy
• freak
• humor
• kink
• maggot
• megrim
• notion
• vagary
• vagrancy
• 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

True to her ethos, the entire Dianna Singh line is ebullient with a touch of whimsy. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025

Photo: John Woodcock Traditional design is enlivened with moments of whimsy and personality in the designs of Black Ink Interiors. —Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 20 May 2025

Add a woven green bag from Dragon Diffusion, and modern jewels to balance out the whimsy. —Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 12 May 2025

The space had an artistic whimsy that seamlessly blended modern sophistication with comfort—a common theme throughout the property, from the bar and restaurant to the hallways and guest rooms. —Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 24 Apr. 2025

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