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

Standouts include Fennel, a delightful floral pattern that marries neutral elegance with a dash of whimsy. —Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 6 Jan. 2026

The squiggly gold lines add just a touch of whimsy to this minimalist look. —Odeya Pinkus, InStyle, 4 Jan. 2026

In January, people tend to get serious about their goals, leaving the whimsy and togetherness of the previous months behind in exchange for discipline and rest. —Morayo Ogunbayo, AJC.com, 1 Jan. 2026

In winter, the wind tussled clumps often resemble a wild hairdo, which is a welcome dose of garden whimsy. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Dec. 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