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

Between his boisterous laugh and reputation for being a fountain of whimsy, Lou Wilson is Dropout’s most lovable staple. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026

Following suit with her ongoing romantic comedy homage wardrobe, Reinhart’s dress was full of whimsy — cast in pink with a bouquet of green florals and botanicals cascading throughout the wispy chiffon fabric. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026

Folklore Taylor Swift Folklore’s angelic aura is best captured with gauzy peasant dresses, soft boho details, and a touch of woodland whimsy. — Zoe Weiner, StyleCaster, 18 Sep. 2026

The flowers soften up the hard edges of vintage pieces and add energy, whimsy, and texture, while the heirloom pieces add history and character. — Ella Field, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 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