Transcription
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
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- [hwur, wur]
- /ʰwɜr, wɜr/
- /wɜːr/
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [hwur, wur]
- /ʰwɜr, wɜr/
Definitions of whirr word
- verb without object whirr to go, fly, revolve, or otherwise move quickly with a humming or buzzing sound: An electric fan whirred softly in the corner. 1
- verb with object whirr to move or transport (a thing, person, etc.) with a whirring sound: The plane whirred them away into the night. 1
- noun whirr an act or sound of whirring: the whir of wings. 1
- noun whirr To move or vibrate (something) with a buzzing sound. 1
- verb whirr When something such as a machine or an insect's wing whirrs, it makes a series of low sounds so quickly that they seem like one continuous sound. 0
- verb whirr Whirr is also a noun. 0
Information block about the term
Origin of whirr
First appearance:
before 1350 One of the 20% oldest English words
1350-1400; Middle English quirre (Scots) < Scandinavian; compare Danish hvirre, Norwegian kvirra. See whirl
Historical Comparancy
Parts of speech for Whirr
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
whirr popularity
A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 73% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
This word is included in each student's vocabulary. Most likely there is at least one movie with this word in the title.
whirr usage trend in Literature
This diagram is provided by Google Ngram ViewerSynonyms for whirr
noun whirr
- buzz — If something buzzes or buzzes somewhere, it makes a long continuous sound, like the noise a bee makes when it is flying.
- hum — to make a low, continuous, droning sound.
- murmur — a low, continuous sound, as of a brook, the wind, or trees, or of low, indistinct voices.
- purr — to utter a low, continuous, murmuring sound expressive of contentment or pleasure, as a cat does.
- sound — The, a strait between SW Sweden and Zealand, connecting the Kattegat and the Baltic. 87 miles (140 km) long; 3–30 miles (5–48 km) wide.
Antonyms for whirr
noun whirr
- overachiever — to perform, especially academically, above the potential indicated by tests of one's mental ability or aptitude.
- quiet — making no noise or sound, especially no disturbing sound: quiet neighbors.
- silence — absence of any sound or noise; stillness.
- workaholic — a person who works compulsively at the expense of other pursuits.
verb whirr
- approve — If you approve of an action, event, or suggestion, you like it or are pleased about it.
- commend — If you commend someone or something, you praise them formally.
- compliment — A compliment is a polite remark that you say to someone to show that you like their appearance, appreciate their qualities, or approve of what they have done.
- exalt — Hold (someone or something) in very high regard; think or speak very highly of.
- flatter — to make flat.