as in humming
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of whirring
Inside, fans are whirring and a woman behind the cash register speaks on the phone in Korean.
—
Tomás Hill López-Menchero,
New York Times,
25 June 2026
The production design closely resembled that of his recent Rolling Loud set and his in-progress Don’t Be Dumb tour, including a helicopter hanging from the top of the stage (its whirring blades could be heard between songs).
—
Drew Cohen,
SPIN,
9 June 2026
Clanging cable cars still climb up and down the streets, although these days they’re joined by self-driving taxis, an ever-present reminder of the whirring tech scene.
—
Becky Duffett,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
8 June 2026
Humming cooling systems, rumbling diesel generators and whirring fans can be heard continuously hundreds of feet around them, according to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, prompting reports from residents of headaches, vertigo, nausea, sleep disturbances, ear pain and hypertension.
—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
From branches above her is released a sudden shower of ash keys, which flutter downwards, whirring in circles, until their wild flight is put to a stop by meeting the water’s surface, where they are apprehended and whisked away downstream.
—
Maggie O’Farrell,
Literary Hub,
2 June 2026
Cool blue-white LEDs lined the room’s windows, while yellow heavy-duty power outlets hung from the ceiling over rows of desks where students will learn how to maintain the servers whirring behind them.
—
Mirtha Donastorg,
AJC.com,
26 May 2026
There are no air conditioners whirring behind the walls.
—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
Most of us turn to mechanical fixes—air conditioners humming, ceiling fans whirring at full tilt.
—
Nolan Lewis,
Architectural Digest,
27 Apr. 2026
Tomás Hill López-Menchero,
New York Times,
25 June 2026
The production design closely resembled that of his recent Rolling Loud set and his in-progress Don’t Be Dumb tour, including a helicopter hanging from the top of the stage (its whirring blades could be heard between songs).
—
Drew Cohen,
SPIN,
9 June 2026
Clanging cable cars still climb up and down the streets, although these days they’re joined by self-driving taxis, an ever-present reminder of the whirring tech scene.
—
Becky Duffett,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
8 June 2026
Humming cooling systems, rumbling diesel generators and whirring fans can be heard continuously hundreds of feet around them, according to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, prompting reports from residents of headaches, vertigo, nausea, sleep disturbances, ear pain and hypertension.
—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
From branches above her is released a sudden shower of ash keys, which flutter downwards, whirring in circles, until their wild flight is put to a stop by meeting the water’s surface, where they are apprehended and whisked away downstream.
—
Maggie O’Farrell,
Literary Hub,
2 June 2026
Cool blue-white LEDs lined the room’s windows, while yellow heavy-duty power outlets hung from the ceiling over rows of desks where students will learn how to maintain the servers whirring behind them.
—
Mirtha Donastorg,
AJC.com,
26 May 2026
There are no air conditioners whirring behind the walls.
—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
Most of us turn to mechanical fixes—air conditioners humming, ceiling fans whirring at full tilt.
—
Nolan Lewis,
Architectural Digest,
27 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whirring
Verb
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Fans latched on too, humming the tune, playing the video — of players and supporters soaking up the scene — on repeat ever since.
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Now two seasons removed from the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene, Asheville has quickly bounced back and is humming along.
Verb
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London draws more than 30 million visitors annually, and along with its buzzing energy and endless opportunities comes one of the world’s most exciting food scenes.
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New York City is still buzzing after a historic NBA Finals in which the Knicks won their first championship in 53 years.
Cite this Entry
“Whirring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whirring. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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