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

The film ends up illustrating the limitations of the Storkels’ affection for re-enactments and their general interest in stories that are outlandish enough to be thrilling and bloodless enough to be treated with some measure of whimsy. —Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026

Learn more › The latest product of an ongoing Peanuts x Timex collab is this Expedition Snoopy Road Trip watch, a cool and rugged off-roady timepiece with a fun splash of whimsy. —Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 12 Mar. 2026

All About Balance Of course, adding whimsy to your home is also a balancing act. —Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2026

Even their hair care lineup delivers that signature, subtle marshmallow fluff and vanilla scent, adding a touch of sensorial whimsy to every styling session. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 10 Mar. 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