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

In lieu of a clear target or any meaningful point of view, Gormican fatally trains his attention on the madcap whimsy of making an independent movie with your friends — on the restorative joy of creating something for the love of the game and spending time with your favorite people. —David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 23 Dec. 2025

Exaggerated proportions were the epitome of whimsy. —Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 23 Dec. 2025

Along with the small-town cliche of secrets abounding, there are fresh touches that add whimsy to this story of two families entwined through times of peace and war. —The Know, Denver Post, 21 Dec. 2025

The glimmering, shiny pieces of foil add whimsy to holiday decor and can be used as gift toppers, ornaments, or strung together as a garland. —Ella Field, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Dec. 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