/wɜː/

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Line drawing of whirr
Coloured illustration of whirr
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Meaning

The low humming sound of something turning fast, like a machine or small wings.

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Word origin

An imitative word that copies the sound it names, used in English since the Middle Ages, probably with Scandinavian influence.

Origin
Imitative
Root
whirr

Grammar

Gender
Pluralwhirrs

Examples

.

A whirr is the steady sound of something spinning fast.

.

Whirr copies the sound it names, like buzz and hum.

drone .

Whirr is also a verb: machines and wings can whirr.

Where this fits

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English · Free printables

whirr: worksheet, infographic and listicle

Free printable study downloads for the English word "whirr" (The low humming sound of something turning fast, like a machine or small wings.): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.

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This word is taught in chapter 29, lesson 6: whirr, unable, conclusion and 7 more words.