variants
also whirr
as in hum
a monotonous sound like that of an insect in motion
a whir coming from the refrigerator
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
variants
also whirr
as in to hum
to fly, turn, or move rapidly with a fluttering or vibratory sound
the hummingbird whirred as it hovered over a flower our tires whirred as we traveled over the rough road
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of whir
IEEE Spectrum, 1 Apr. 2026
The record’s propulsive synths mimic the whirr of wheels on the road, mechanized background noise for a life and a mind that won’t be still.
—Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 9 Mar. 2026
Judy Bart Kancigor, Oc Register, 9 Apr. 2026
This vast bundle of life and existence whirrs continually, creating the comforting harmonic tone that defines this place.
—Stephen Trimble, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for whir
Noun
Woo walked slowly across the room, using a walker to stabilize his upper body, his steps a symphony of clunks and creaks and whirs.
—IEEE Spectrum, 1 Apr. 2026
The record’s propulsive synths mimic the whirr of wheels on the road, mechanized background noise for a life and a mind that won’t be still.
—Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
Culinary team member Nancy Eisman suggested whirring them into pesto.
—Judy Bart Kancigor, Oc Register, 9 Apr. 2026
This vast bundle of life and existence whirrs continually, creating the comforting harmonic tone that defines this place.
—Stephen Trimble, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for whir
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whir
Noun
-
The hotel is on a block next to a major road, but the noise is more of a distant city hum than a nuisance.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
-
Both of them suggest the guitarist Loren Connors leading the early roars of Earth, his intuitive way of navigating the instrument’s neck bolstered by a formidable wall of hum at his back.—
Grayson Haver Currin,
Pitchfork,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
However, once the moon enters Aries later this evening, your phone will be buzzing nonstop with plans, updates and gossip.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
12 May 2026
-
Levy says Leap had a big hand in revitalizing this stretch of Bleecker Street, which is now buzzing with stores, cafés and restaurants.—
Anne Kadet,
Curbed,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
Unlike at Shadden’s, the only mechanical purr is the brief rumble of a passing car.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 May 2026
-
In its megacities and beyond, traffic is increasingly falling silent, the dull whir of the electric motor replacing the purr of an internal combustion engine.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
2 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Whir.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whir. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
