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

The country’s tragic 21st-century travails provide much of the fodder for the couple’s drama in director Cyril Aris’ moving film, including whether to stay or emigrate, with touches of magical realism and whimsy providing levity. — David Faris, TheWeek, 6 July 2026

Add a juicy hint of whimsy to your next nail look with one of these berry nail designs. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 3 July 2026

Meanwhile, labels like Steve Madden, Melissa, Tyler Ellis, and Dolce Vita are exploring contemporary silhouettes and vibrant color palettes that tap into fashion’s growing embrace of whimsy, nostalgia, and joyful dressing. — Sanika Achrekar, Glamour, 2 July 2026

Both this percale comforter and linen quilt would be perfect for staying cozy yet cool in warm weather, while the snowflake sheet set will add some wintry whimsy that kids will love snuggling into. — Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 July 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