as in humming
to fly, turn, or move rapidly with a fluttering or vibratory sound
the hummingbird whirred as it hovered over a flower our tires whirred as we traveled over the rough road
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of whirring
Most of us turn to mechanical fixes—air conditioners humming, ceiling fans whirring at full tilt.
—
Nolan Lewis, Architectural Digest, 27 Apr. 2026
Shadows and strange sounds can set imaginations whirring—from the guttural roar of a hunting lion to the giggling calls of a feasting hyena pack.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Apr. 2026
In this case, a genteel woman’s tradition is set against the sound of military helicopters whirring overhead.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2026
Surely, Bobby Jones must be spinning like a rotisserie chicken in his final resting place, and while the co-founder of the stately club lies some 143 miles to the east of Amen Corner, the patrons should be able to pick up on the whirring noises if the wind’s blowing the right way.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 Apr. 2026
Culinary team member Nancy Eisman suggested whirring them into pesto.
—Judy Bart Kancigor, Oc Register, 9 Apr. 2026
The promotional photo shared on Instagram—showing Moroney wearing a gray and orange Vols shirt—set the country music conspiracy machine whirring.
—Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 4 Mar. 2026
The Olympics star-making machine has started whirring, and no sport is more ripe for some stars than curling.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
The partnership has helped keep its sewing machines whirring.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 6 Feb. 2026
Nolan Lewis, Architectural Digest, 27 Apr. 2026
Shadows and strange sounds can set imaginations whirring—from the guttural roar of a hunting lion to the giggling calls of a feasting hyena pack.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Apr. 2026
In this case, a genteel woman’s tradition is set against the sound of military helicopters whirring overhead.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2026
Surely, Bobby Jones must be spinning like a rotisserie chicken in his final resting place, and while the co-founder of the stately club lies some 143 miles to the east of Amen Corner, the patrons should be able to pick up on the whirring noises if the wind’s blowing the right way.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 Apr. 2026
Culinary team member Nancy Eisman suggested whirring them into pesto.
—Judy Bart Kancigor, Oc Register, 9 Apr. 2026
The promotional photo shared on Instagram—showing Moroney wearing a gray and orange Vols shirt—set the country music conspiracy machine whirring.
—Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 4 Mar. 2026
The Olympics star-making machine has started whirring, and no sport is more ripe for some stars than curling.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
The partnership has helped keep its sewing machines whirring.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 6 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whirring
Verb
-
When Guevara Olivas finished her orientation speech last week on the 15th floor, the room was packed and humming with conversation in multiple languages.—
Caroline Kubzansky,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
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The yoga platform looking out over the Himalayan range through lofty pines gives a fresh resonance to the concept of a mountain pose asana and to bhramari, honey-bee breathing exercises taken with the actual insect community humming vibrantly around the ears.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Residents could flip on the TV to see who was downstairs before buzzing them in.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Most homeowners are surprised to learn the buzzing nuisance ruining their evenings probably started life just steps from the back door.—
Ryan Brennan
April 30,
Miami Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Whirring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whirring. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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