Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun A whirr, the sounds of a whirr.
  • verb Present participle of whir.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • adjective like the sound of rapidly vibrating wings
  • noun sound of something in rapid motion

Etymologies

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Examples

  • While the Heidleberg appears to be printing an invitation, not a book, the sound of the gears whirring is a nice reminder of publishing's fine tradition.

    Catch-All for 12.14.2007 2007

  • While the Heidleberg appears to be printing an invitation, not a book, the sound of the gears whirring is a nice reminder of publishing's fine tradition.

    A Different Stripe: 2007

  • I knew it would call, or soon or late, as it calls the whirring wings;

    The Spell of the Yukon and Other Verses 1916

  • I knew it would call, or soon or late, as it calls the whirring wings;

    Songs of a Sourdough 1916

  • "I knew it would call, or soon or late, as it calls the whirring wings;

    Giant Hours with Poet Preachers 1917

  • As they had passed one of the cave-mouths, there had come from it a rhythmic, "whirring" sound, unlike that made by any animal she knew.

    Expedition to Earth Clarke, Arthur C. 1953

  • "I did once or twice hear a sound I thought was like -- well, like a clock being wound, only steadily, a kind of whirring sound."

    Adventure of the Frightened Baronet Derleth, August 1945

  • He imagined the door sticking fast, or only half-opening, the poor trumpeter behind pushing with his shoulder to get out, then giving a feeble gasping tootle with much "whirring" and internal agonies; then the rest is silence.

    John Forster Percy Hethrington Fitzgerald 1879

  • That was the kind of whirring noise the Dream-Fairies 'wings made, with the pleasing difference that the Dream-Fairies' wings produced a soft, soothing music.

    Second Book of Tales Eugene Field 1872

  • In summer, we hear among the trees a shrill kind of whirring sound, which is kept up for a long time without any pause.

    Friends in Feathers and Fur, and Other Neighbors For Young Folks James Johonnot 1855

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