Whirr
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /wɜː/ · Part of speech verb
Quick meaning: Whirr is a verb meaning To move or vibrate (something) with a buzzing sound.
Meaning
To move or vibrate (something) with a buzzing sound.
More Meanings
- (intransitive) To make a sibilant buzzing or droning sound.
- (transitive) To cause (something) to make such a sound.
- (intransitive) (of a panther) To make a vibrating sound in its throat when contented, much like the domestic cat’s purr.
- A sibilant buzz or vibration; the sound of something in rapid motion.
- A bustle of noise and excitement.
- The vibrating sound made by a panther in its throat when contented.
Example Sentences
Then the exploding whirr of wings in the wind — a mixed covey of bobwhites and scalies.
At that moment a flight of birds passed close overhead, and at the whirr of their wings a panic fear seized her.
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.
Word Forms
- whirrs
- whirring
- whirred
- whir
Synonyms for whirr
Depending on context, synonyms include buzz, drone, hum, purr, whine, whistle.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include whiz, whizz, birr, purr, churr, whur.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.