Definition of whir
whirred
;whirring
intransitive verb
: to fly, revolve, or move rapidly with a whir hummingbirds whirring past
transitive verb
: to move or carry rapidly with a whir
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Examples of whir in a Sentence
the hummingbird whirred as it hovered over a flower
our tires whirred as we traveled over the rough road
Origin and Etymology of whir
Middle English (Scots) quirren, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Danish hvirre to whirl, whir
whir
whirr
Definition of whir
: a continuous fluttering or vibratory sound made by something in rapid motion the whir of machinery
Examples of whir in a Sentence
the whir of a fan
a whir coming from the refrigerator
First Known Use of whir
1677
WHIR Defined for English Language Learners
whir
Definition of whir for English Language Learners
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: the sound made by something that is spinning very fast
WHIR Defined for Kids
Definition of whir for Students
whirred
;whirring
: to fly, operate, or turn rapidly with a buzzing sound … the machines stopped whirring, and from then on, not a single chocolate … was made. — Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Definition of whir for Students
: a buzzing sound made by something spinning or operating quickly
Learn More about whir
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See words that rhyme with whir Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for whir Spanish Central: Translation of whir Nglish: Translation of whir for Spanish speakers
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