whim Definition
- 1a sudden desire or change of mind, especially one that is unusual or unexplained
- 2a fanciful or odd idea
Using whim: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "whim" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
On a whim, she decided to quit her job and travel the world.
Example
He bought the car on a whim without really thinking it through.
Example
The decision was made on a whim and had no real basis in logic or reason.
whim Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using whim
Example
The employees were at the whim of their boss, who could fire them at any time.
Example
Their meeting was a mere whim of fate, but it changed their lives forever.
Example
The tornado was a whim of nature that destroyed everything in its path.
Phrases with whim
Example
Despite his age, he still has a whim of iron and refuses to retire.
whim-wham
a frivolous or fanciful object or trinket
Example
Her room was filled with all sorts of whims-whams and knick-knacks.
Example
She decided to dye her hair pink on a whim.
Origins of whim
from Old English 'hwim', meaning 'a whimper'
Summary: whim in Brief
The term 'whim' [wɪm] refers to sudden, unusual, or unexplained desires or changes of mind. It can also denote fanciful or odd ideas, as in 'He had a whim to start a circus.' The phrase 'on a whim' implies acting impulsively, while idioms like 'at the whim of someone' suggest being completely under someone's control. 'Whim' extends into phrases like 'whim of fate,' denoting unpredictable events, and 'whim of nature,' referring to uncontrollable natural occurrences.
