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whir
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1whir

verb \ˈhwər, ˈwər\
whirredwhir·ring

Definition of WHIR

intransitive verb
: to fly, revolve, or move rapidly with a whir <hummingbirds whirring past>
transitive verb
: to move or carry rapidly with a whir
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Variants of WHIR

whir also whirr \ˈhwər, ˈwər\

Examples of WHIR

  1. <the hummingbird whirred as it hovered over a flower>
  2. <our tires whirred as we traveled over the rough road>

Origin of WHIR

Middle English (Scots) quirren, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Dan hvirre to whirl, whir
First Known Use: 15th century

Related to WHIR

Synonyms
bumble, burr, buzz, drone, hum, whish, whiz (or whizz), zip, zoom

Rhymes with WHIR

birr, blur, burr, Burr, chirr, churr, cur, curr, err, fir, for, fur, her, knur, murre, myrrh, per, purr, shirr, sir, skirr, slur, spur, stir, thir, your

2whir

noun

Definition of WHIR

: a continuous fluttering or vibratory sound made by something in rapid motion <the whir of machinery>
See whir defined for English-language learners »

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

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