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

Jonathan Adler's creations embody a sense of whimsy that fans of his designs flock to for color, joy and a vibrant sense of individuality often lacking in more neutral spaces. —Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026

The comfortable rooms have an air of seaside whimsy, and the bathrooms are stocked with products from nearby Beach Plum Farm. —Carlianne Brennan, Travel + Leisure, 17 Apr. 2026

Mustard Made’s metal furniture and shelving pieces are created for those who appreciate whimsy, and the Mixer cabinet is no different. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 16 Apr. 2026

Scallops are clearly still on-trend, so don't be afraid to grab something that boasts a bit of whimsy, too. —Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 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