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

Rih dressed down the whimsy, in a white tee, jeans, and a fuzzyz white scarf. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2026

Banish doubt by seeking whimsy and joy as much as possible. —Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2026

Each of the 280 swim-up suites overlooks the sea, while special themed suites intersect luxury and whimsy. —Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 24 Jan. 2026

But for those of us who enjoy the whimsy of tropical color and succulents in our landscapes, here are some tips on how to prepare for this weekend's freeze. —Deborah Sengupta Stith, Austin American Statesman, 21 Jan. 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