whir

²whir

noun

Definition of WHIR

: a continuous fluttering or vibratory sound made by something in rapid motion <the whir of machinery>

Variants of WHIR

whir also whirr

Examples of WHIR

1. the whir of a fan
2. <a whir coming from the refrigerator>

First Known Use of WHIR

1677

Related to WHIR

Synonyms: burr, buzz, chirr, churr, drone, purr, thrum, hum (also whirr), whiz (or whizz), zoom

Related Words: babble, coo, gasp, gurgle, hiss, moan, murmur, rustle, sigh, suspiration, susurration, susurrus, whisper; whish, zing, zip

Near Antonyms: bawl, howl, roar, scream, screech, shriek, squall, squeal, yelp, yell

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