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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of whirring
In this case, a genteel woman’s tradition is set against the sound of military helicopters whirring overhead.
—
Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2026
Surely, Bobby Jones must be spinning like a rotisserie chicken in his final resting place, and while the co-founder of the stately club lies some 143 miles to the east of Amen Corner, the patrons should be able to pick up on the whirring noises if the wind’s blowing the right way.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 Apr. 2026
Culinary team member Nancy Eisman suggested whirring them into pesto.
—Judy Bart Kancigor, Oc Register, 9 Apr. 2026
Midway through my massage, the boat unmoored itself and set sail—setting off an initially alarming vibrating bed and whirring engine noise.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Mar. 2026
The promotional photo shared on Instagram—showing Moroney wearing a gray and orange Vols shirt—set the country music conspiracy machine whirring.
—Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 4 Mar. 2026
The Olympics star-making machine has started whirring, and no sport is more ripe for some stars than curling.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
The partnership has helped keep its sewing machines whirring.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 6 Feb. 2026
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
Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2026
Surely, Bobby Jones must be spinning like a rotisserie chicken in his final resting place, and while the co-founder of the stately club lies some 143 miles to the east of Amen Corner, the patrons should be able to pick up on the whirring noises if the wind’s blowing the right way.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 Apr. 2026
Culinary team member Nancy Eisman suggested whirring them into pesto.
—Judy Bart Kancigor, Oc Register, 9 Apr. 2026
Midway through my massage, the boat unmoored itself and set sail—setting off an initially alarming vibrating bed and whirring engine noise.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Mar. 2026
The promotional photo shared on Instagram—showing Moroney wearing a gray and orange Vols shirt—set the country music conspiracy machine whirring.
—Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 4 Mar. 2026
The Olympics star-making machine has started whirring, and no sport is more ripe for some stars than curling.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
The partnership has helped keep its sewing machines whirring.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 6 Feb. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whirring
Verb
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When humming on both ends of the court, Michigan possesses a gear everyone else can only wish for.—
Jon Wilner,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
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Churches will be humming today, focused on the Christian claims of Jesus’ resurrection.—
Case Thorp,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The brunch scene is buzzing, with diners tucking into dishes of lamb and crispy rice bowls with poached egg and labneh, or the Muhammara shakshouka.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Apr. 2026
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Guests can lounge at the always-buzzing Pool Club, take a dip in one of two magnesium plunge pools, and rejuvenate in the bio-wellness spa.—
Travel + Leisure Editors,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Whirring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whirring. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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