whir
6
3.7
- noun
- /wɜr/
- As she worked on her project, the gentle whir of the 3D printer provided a calming backdrop.
- whir of the fan
- whir of the machine
- hear the whir
Examples
-
And then another big drop in altitude, a low whir of the engine, and then more turbulence.
Fiction book (2000) -
All quiet, except for the cool whir of the air conditioner.
Fiction book (1992) -
Below, she hears the whir of the electric knife, the family moving into the dining room.
Fiction book (1994) -
I heard the faint whir of a truck shifting, picking up speed.
Fiction book (2001) -
A soft, electric whir comes over the receiver, almost like the purr of a cat.
Fiction book (1990) -
There was a low whir as the strobe was switched on.
Fiction book (1995) -
When he pauses, only the whir of the oscillating wall fans can be heard.
Fiction book (1998) -
The hum of fans and the whir of traffic invaded the room, like crawling insects.
Fiction book (1990) -
At that instant, he heard the chug and whir of Mac's chopper behind him.
Fiction book (1999) -
Kieran could just barely hear the high-pitched whir of the dracowolf's sonar sweep.
Fiction book (1998)
Synonyms
55
1.0
A low steady sound like bees or a machine
2
7.4
A soft, steady buzzing sound from things that move fast like fan blades
1
4.4
A soft continuous buzzing sound made by something moving quickly
1
9.9
A soft whirring sound made by something moving quickly
1
9.1
A soft rushing sound like air or fabric moving
A constant buzzing sound from machines or insects
Antonyms
How Loud
Surface Forms
Etymology
Whir copies the soft, fast sound of something 'turning' or 'moving quickly'. Think of whirl, which means 'to turn quickly'; the noise of turning is the 'whir', and that is why whir names a continuous, gentle buzzing sound.