Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

whir

verb

/wɜːr/

Definition

To make a rapid, continuous, buzzing sound, often resembling the noise of machinery or fast-moving objects.

Examples

The fan began to whir noisily as it reached its highest speed.
As the helicopter took off, it whirred overhead, creating a sense of excitement.
She could hear the computer’s hard drive whir softly in the background.

Meaning

Whir generally describes the sound made by something that is moving quickly and smoothly through the air or by something that is functioning rapidly, such as a machine.