whimsy

noun

whim·​sy ˈ(h)wim-zē 

variants or less commonly whimsey

plural whimsies also whimseys

1

: whim, caprice

2

: the quality or state of being whimsical or fanciful

the designer's new line showed a touch of whimsy

3

: a fanciful or fantastic device, object, or creation especially in writing or art

Synonyms

• bee
• caprice
• crank
• fancy
• freak
• humor
• kink
• maggot
• megrim
• notion
• vagary
• vagrancy
• whim

Examples of whimsy in a Sentence

The designer's new line showed a touch of whimsy.

a bit of decorative whimsy

Recent Examples on the Web

With Relaxed Suiting and an Eye-Catching Bag A baby blue button up (and an avocado bag) add a touch of whimsy to a fitted suit. —Christina Holevas, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2025

Crane & Canopy French Blue Wavelet Embroidered Sheet Set $249 Crane & Canopy Select these sheets for a touch of whimsy in your bedroom. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 28 Apr. 2025

Inspired by Dolly Parton, this vibrant pool area offers skyline views of the city and a a whole lot of whimsy. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2025

But unlike its European counterparts, this chateau seamlessly blends Southern whimsy with world-class hospitality, offering guests sweeping vineyard views and an elevated culinary program that rivals any urban fine dining experience. —Rai Mincey, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

irregular from whim-wham

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

whimsy

noun

whim·​sy

variants also whimsey

ˈhwim-zē 

ˈwim-

plural whimsies also whimseys

1

: whim, caprice

2

: the quality or state of being whimsical or fanciful

the designer's new line of swimwear showed a touch of whimsy

3

: an imaginative or fantastic object or creation especially in a piece of writing or art