English Explanatory Dictionary

whirr

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To move or vibrate (something) with a buzzing sound.
  2. To make a sibilant buzzing or droning sound.
  3. To cause (something) to make such a sound.
  4. (of a panther) To make a vibrating sound in its throat when contented, much like the domestic cat’s purr.
noun
  1. A sibilant buzz or vibration; the sound of something in rapid motion.
  2. A bustle of noise and excitement.
  3. The vibrating sound made by a panther in its throat when contented.

Pronunciation

/wɜː/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Back ache-were.wav /wɝ/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-whirr.wav /ʍɪɾ/ /wøː/ /weː/ /wɛː/ /wɜː(ɹ)/

Word forms

whirr whirrs whirring whirred whir

Etymology

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

Synonyms

buzz drone hum purr whine whistle whizz bustle hustle
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