English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
verb

whirr

Quiz me More like this

Whirr (verb) means to make something move or shake while producing a low buzzing noise.

verb
1
To make something move or shake while producing a low buzzing noise.
2
To produce a hissing, buzzing or droning noise.
"In a city where media companies and hospitals have armed guards, this accessibility is unusual. Inside, drivers sit and chat in between shifts, the overhead fan whirring and causing the dim electric light to flicker over their faces." — Samira Shackle, On the frontline with Karachi’s ambulance drivers (2017)
3
To make something produce that kind of buzzing noise.
4
(of a panther) To produce a low rumbling sound in the throat when contented, similar to a cat's purr.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like whirr.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Test yourself on “whirr” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Etymology

Comes from Middle English whirren, probably from Old Norse; compare Danish hvirre, virre, Norwegian kvirre, and Old Norse hvirfla (“to whirl, spread”).

purr whir birr whiz whizz churr

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of whirr?
"whirr" (verb) means to make something move or shake while producing a low buzzing noise.
What is another word for whirr?
Other words for "whirr" include purr, whir, birr, whiz, whizz, churr.
What are the different meanings of whirr?
"whirr" has 3 main meanings: 1. To make something move or shake while producing a low buzzing noise; 2. To produce a hissing, buzzing or droning noise; 3. To make something produce that kind of buzzing noise.

People also searched

Definitions from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0