whim
Whim (noun) means a sudden, playful, or impulsive idea or desire, with little or no real reason behind it. Example: “On a whim, they booked flights to Lisbon for the weekend.”
How to use whim
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sudden urge to do something, usually without much planning or serious reason.
Word forms
whimmed past tense, whims plural, whims plural, whims singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
On a _____, they booked flights to Lisbon for the weekend.
Etymology
A shortened form of the older word whim-wham, itself of uncertain origin, likely echoing the playful, erratic feel of the idea it describes.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for whim
See all rhymes for whim →Frequently asked questions
What does “whim” mean?
The word “whim” means a sudden, playful, or impulsive idea or desire, with little or no real reason behind it. In plain terms, a sudden urge to do something, usually without much planning or serious reason.
How do you pronounce “whim”?
“Whim” is pronounced wihm (/wɪm/ in IPA).
How do you use “whim” in a sentence?
Here is “whim” used in a sentence: “On a whim, they booked flights to Lisbon for the weekend.”
What is another word for “whim”?
Words with a similar meaning to “whim” include boutade, caprice, capriccio, conceit, crotchet and fancy.
What part of speech is “whim”?
“Whim” is a noun.
Is “whim” a common word?
“Whim” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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