whirr

Verb

1. To move or vibrate (something) with a buzzing sound.
2. (intransitive) To make a sibilant buzzing or droning sound.
3. (transitive) To cause (something) to make such a sound.
4. (intransitive) (of a panther) To make a vibrating sound in its throat when contented, much like the domestic cat’s purr.

Noun

1. A sibilant buzz or vibration; the sound of something in rapid motion.
2. A bustle of noise and excitement.
3. The vibrating sound made by a panther in its throat when contented.

Pronounced as (IPA)

/wɜː/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: whirren

Cognate with Danish: hvirre

Cognate with Norwegian: kvirre

Cognate with Old Norse: hvirfla

In summary

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

Synonyms

buzz

hum

drone

whizz

whir

whiz

birr

whirring

churr

purr

whistle

zoom

bombilate

bombilation

bombinate

make sound

boom

💥

zizz

bubble

burble

gurgle

jangle

murmur

rumble

rustle

stammer

tingle

Translations

ronzio

surren

βοή

βόμβος

ronronner

βομβώ

βουίζω

vrombissement

βουητό

σφυρώ

σφύριγμα

θόρυβος

summen

vrombir

gonzen