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

• humor
• notion
• whim
• impression
• fantasy
• vagary
• caprice
• bee
• vagrancy
• kink
• whimsicality
• fancy
• megrim
• maggot

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

Simple, beautiful, functional—this is a cocktail bar set that takes its job seriously if not without a little whimsy. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2025

These costumes combine whimsy with creativity, often featuring iridescent wings and layered textures that mimic the appearance of real-life insects. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Oct. 2025

Sunday’s Brooklyn alt whimsy is captivating, and Pegram is equally gifted as a performer and writer. —Rima Parikh, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2025

The styling here is one that bridges opposing sensibilities–infusing youthful energy into polished ensembles and balancing whimsy with sophisticated elegance. —Minty Mellon, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2025

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