Whir

/wɜːr/ noun/verb

Definition

A continuous buzzing or humming sound like spinning machinery, or to make such a sound.

Etymology

From Middle English 'whirren,' an imitative word imitating the sound itself. Related to 'whirr' and appears across Germanic languages as onomatopoeia.

Kelly Says

Hummingbirds create their distinctive whirring sound by flapping their wings 50+ times per second—some species can hit 200 wing beats per second, which is why bees and hummingbirds seem to vibrate rather than actually fly.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.