noun
wisp
wihsp
Wisp (noun) means a thin, light streak or strand of something, such as smoke, hair, or cloud. Example: “A wisp of smoke rose from the chimney.”
noun
1
A thin, light streak or strand of something, such as smoke, hair, or cloud.
"A wisp of smoke rose from the chimney."
"A wisp of hair fell across her face."
2
A small, loosely twisted bundle of straw or similar material.
"He used a wisp of hay to wipe down the horse."
How to use wisp
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA thin, delicate strand or streak of something.
Common pairings
a wisp of smoke
a wisp of hair
a wisp of cloud
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like wisp.
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
Word forms
- Plural
- wisps
- Third person singular
- wisps
- Past tense
- wisped
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A _____ of smoke rose from the chimney.
Etymology
From Middle English wispe, of uncertain deeper origin, related to old West Germanic words for a bundle of straw or grass.
Rhymes for wisp
See all rhymes for wisp →Frequently asked questions
What does “wisp” mean?
The word “wisp” means a thin, light streak or strand of something, such as smoke, hair, or cloud. In plain terms, a thin, delicate strand or streak of something.
How do you pronounce “wisp”?
“Wisp” is pronounced wihsp (/wɪsp/ in IPA).
How do you use “wisp” in a sentence?
Here is “wisp” used in a sentence: “A wisp of smoke rose from the chimney.”
What part of speech is “wisp”?
“Wisp” is a noun.
Where does the word “wisp” come from?
The word “wisp” comes from Middle English. From Middle English wispe, of uncertain deeper origin, related to old West Germanic words for a bundle of straw or grass.
How many meanings does “wisp” have?
“Wisp” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a thin, light streak or strand of something, such as smoke, hair, or cloud.
