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

While a Tudor home is full of character and embodies the whimsy dreamers are drawn to, Brutalist architecture's strength and purpose speak to those who value respect over charm. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 May 2026

Minute repeaters straddle the line between the artistry of micro-mechanical watchmaking and the whimsy that is possible in haute horlogerie. —Carol Besler, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026

Kelce’s dark blue shirt was blooming with yellow and pink florals and green foliage, adding a touch of whimsy with salmon pink tassels trimming his short sleeves and hemline. —Lara Walsh, InStyle, 23 May 2026

The whimsy that comes out of designers during that collection is usually fantastic. —Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 22 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