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

It’s considered the Butterfly Capital of the World thanks to the presence of Butterfly World, which is worth a visit for nature lovers or anyone who could do with a touch of whimsy. —Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 10 Nov. 2025

Warren’s music is dense with historic illusion, love and sadness, tinted with unexpected whimsy. —Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Nov. 2025

From swaying trims to plush bags and scarves, warmth and whimsy can be found with Dries Van Noten’s pumps, Gucci’s tote bag, and Cos’s woolly hat. —Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 9 Nov. 2025

Each one also contains an assortment of high-end trinkets to open daily in the lead-up to December 25, helping your giftees tap into childlike whimsy for the holiday season. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 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