whirr

Meaning

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.

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

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”).