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

Artists and couturiers are fond of the whimsy of trompe l’oeil, the trick of the eye, the illusion of reality. —Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026

These dimensional flowers are reach peak levels of summer whimsy with this look's vibrant stiletto tips and hints of gold foil. —Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 20 June 2026

Invite some playfulness and whimsy into your wardrobe with pieces that spark inspiration for you—and bonus points for items like this bag that can also serve double duty and hold your essentials! —Nneya Richards, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2026

This air of whimsy carried into an evening celebration in Fulham. —Pierre Groppo, Vanity Fair, 19 June 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