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Added 9 October 2026

whirr

/wɜː/ verb

verb Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about whirr at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

To move or vibrate (something) with a buzzing sound.
To make a sibilant buzzing or droning sound.
To cause (something) to make such a sound.

noun

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.

Origin

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

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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