I. verb
also whirr ˈhwər, ˈwər
( whirred ; whir·ring )
Etymology: Middle English (Scots) quirren, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Danish hvirre to whirl, whir
Date: 15th century
intransitive verb
: to fly, revolve, or move rapidly with a whir
hummingbirds whirring past
transitive verb
: to move or carry rapidly with a whir
II. noun
also whirr
Date: 1677
: a continuous fluttering or vibratory sound made by something in rapid motion
the whir of machinery