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

Bourbon Steak Bourbon Steak is among Mina’s signature concepts, featuring a modern take on steakhouses by incorporating global flavors, slow-poaching steaks in butter and topping off diners’ restaurant experiences with a little whimsy over the past 20 years. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026

However, aside from the summer and winter episodes, Season 2 simply doesn’t have the whimsy of its predecessor. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 28 May 2026

The building's neoclassical bones are intact, but Kimpton has brought in its signature whimsy, making a hotel that feels both historic and contemporary. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 May 2026

Maybe going on Taskmaster really does unlock a person’s sense of whimsy. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 26 May 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