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
Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026
Nevertheless, pedestrians strolling next to the lake were wise to pay attention, listening for the soft whir announcing an approaching e-scooter — or maybe an e-bike — from behind.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Jan. 2026
New Atlas, 31 Jan. 2026
That chunk of my brain has already been activated and is whirring away.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for whir
Noun
As the documentary opens, insect whirs and faint helicopter chuf-chufs mix with a choral hymn.
—Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026
Nevertheless, pedestrians strolling next to the lake were wise to pay attention, listening for the soft whir announcing an approaching e-scooter — or maybe an e-bike — from behind.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
There’s also the noise issue, and the somewhat awkward reality of spinning rotors whirring dangerously above people in public places.
—New Atlas, 31 Jan. 2026
That chunk of my brain has already been activated and is whirring away.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for whir
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whir
Noun
-
This can be thought of as the background hum of the universe from a host of more distant collision events underlying that loud crashing orchestra of relatively close massive black hole mergers.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
2 Mar. 2026
-
The Freight House building creaks and moans underfoot, and passing trains produce little more than a subtle hum.—
Nicole Letts,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Texts from friends buzzed his phone.—
Julia Coin,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Mar. 2026
-
In the tense Lebanese capital, Beirut, Israeli surveillance drones buzz overhead while red tracer bullets light up the night skies, fired to warn residents of possible attacks.—
Matthew Chance,
CNN Money,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Honey is ready to bring love, purrs and playful cuddles to her forever home.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Mar. 2026
-
For many of us, our truest Valentine has four legs, a wagging tail, a gentle purr or a happy chirp.—
Cathy M. Rosenthal,
San Antonio Express-News,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Whir.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whir. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
