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 Menu No speakeasy would be complete without a unique drink menu to add intrigue and whimsy to the experience. —Sarah Gilliland, Southern Living, 2 May 2026

With shoes and swimwear, activewear and accessories, and all the coveted dresses, sweaters, and jeans in between, Free People offers trendy threads for fashion-forward gals on the go who love a touch of whimsy. —Hannah Chubb, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Apr. 2026

The youngest of her siblings, Clara is deeply cherished by her family who indulge her ethereal whimsy, telepathy, psychic abilities and endless curiosity. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026

And the faux crocodile texture adds a bit of whimsy, not unlike Swift’s floral one. —Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 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