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

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

Not to mention, the set was made even more interesting by dangling tassels which offered movement and a sense of whimsy to the shoe look. —Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 17 Nov. 2025

Human brains are hardwired for this kind of whimsy. —Calum Lister Matheson, The Conversation, 14 Nov. 2025

For a touch of whimsy, pair the colorful wave pitcher from Sophie Lou Jacobsen with a glass stirrer from Etsy. —Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Nov. 2025

Followed by the impeccable whimsy and craftsmanship of LFJ. —Tenicka Boyd, Essence, 13 Nov. 2025

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