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

Water lilies heighten emotional depth, intuition, and whimsy, exciting the imaginative and artistic vibes of Pisces. —Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026

The Mario series was maturing alongside the greater video-game landscape, but its childlike essence remained—not through docile cuteness, but through a more grandiose fusion of wonder, whimsy, and wistfulness. —Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 9 May 2026

The interiors are modern, elegant, and sophisticated, yet with our artwork thoughtfully placed, there’s a sense of playfulness and a touch of whimsy throughout. —Kathryn O’Shea-Evans, Robb Report, 9 May 2026

The sequel did away with this cookie-cutter idea of taste and embraced the whimsy. —José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 8 May 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