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

But, in order to explore logic and whimsy and wonder and paradox, Carroll invented characters like the White Rabbit, the Cheshire Cat, and the Queen of Hearts, and situations like the Mad Tea Party and the Caucus Race. — Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2026

That was serendipitous, as his moving sense of whimsy was the right fit for the novel. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2026

The syrupy strings, treacly piano and awed choral vocals conjure an atmosphere of strained enchantment, suggesting a film burdened by fatal amounts of whimsy and emotional manipulation. — Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

The pastries are the highlight, while the lacquer music box presentation remains a memorable moment of whimsy. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 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