whirr

== English == === Alternative forms === whir === Etymology === From Middle English whirren, probably from Old Norse: compare Danish hvirre, virre, Norwegian kvirre, Old Norse hvirfla (“to whirl, spread”). === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /wɜː/ (US) IPA(key): /wɝ/ (Scotland) IPA(key): /ʍɪɾ/ (New Zealand) IPA(key): /wøː/ (Liverpool, fair–fur merger) IPA(key): /weː/ (Humberside, Teesside, fair–fur merger) IPA(key): /wɛː/ (Lancashire, fair–fur merger) IPA(key): /wɜː(ɹ)/ Rhymes: -ɜː(ɹ) Homophones: were (fern–fir–fur merger), where (fair–fur merger), ware (fair–fur merger, wine–whine merger) === Verb === whirr (third-person singular simple present whirrs, present participle whirring, simple past and past participle whirred) To move or vibrate (something) with a buzzing sound. (intransitive) To make a sibilant buzzing or droning sound. (transitive) To cause (something) to make such a sound. (intransitive) (of a panther) To make a vibrating sound in its throat when contented, much like the domestic cat’s purr. ==== Synonyms ==== (make a sibilant buzzing or droning sound): buzz, drone, hum, purr, whine, whistle, whizz ==== Translations ==== === Noun === whirr (plural whirrs) A sibilant buzz or vibration; the sound of something in rapid motion. A bustle of noise and excitement. The vibrating sound made by a panther in its throat when contented. ==== Synonyms ==== (sibilant buzz or vibration): buzz, drone, hum, purr, whine, whistle, whizz (bustle of noise and excitement): bustle, hustle ==== Translations ====