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

Even their hair care lineup delivers that signature, subtle marshmallow fluff and vanilla scent, adding a touch of sensorial whimsy to every styling session. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026

Billie Eilish’s trio of fairies are all whimsy and sweetness. —Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 9 Mar. 2026

Magic potions get involved — not to mention a surfeit of whimsy — but the actor does his best to ground the cutesiness in something real. —Tim Grierson, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2026

The hotel took it a step further by tapping interior designer Amanda Reynal, founder of Amanda Reynal Interiors, to impart the whimsy and joy of the Lilly aesthetic to the suites. —Anne Bratskeir, Travel + Leisure, 7 Mar. 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