What does "whim-wham" mean?
A whimsical object; a trinket.
Whim-wham
noun
noun ·Uncommon ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A whimsical object; a trinket.
- Grammar: whim-wham is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: bagatelle, ball, bat, battledore.
- Usage evidence: They′ll pull ye all to pieces for your Whim-whams, Your Garters and your Gloves,
How to use "whim-wham"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "whim-wham" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "whim-wham" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "whim-wham" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "whim-wham" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "bagatelle" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "whim-wham", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A whimsical object; a trinket. obsolete
"They′ll pull ye all to pieces for your Whim-whams, Your Garters and your Gloves,"
- 2 A whim or fancy.
"1807 April 18, “Anthony Evergreen” (Washington Irving), Salmagundi, or The Whim-whams and Opinions of Launcelot Langstaff, Esq. & Others, No. VIII, 1834, The Complete Works of Washington Irving in One Volume, page 35, And trust me, gentlefolk, his are the whim-whams of a courteous gentleman full of most excellent qualities ; honourable in his disposition, independent in his sentiments, and of unbounded good-nature, as may be seen through all his works."
- 3 A state of nervous anxiety. in-plural
"But that wasn't what gave him the whim-whams so bad here. In the clearing, no more than ten feet away, stood a little stone cherub atop a fancy grave marker maybe three feet high."
Example
"They′ll pull ye all to pieces for your Whim-whams, Your Garters and your Gloves,"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "whim-wham"?
Common synonyms include: bagatelle, ball, bat, battledore, bauble, bean.
How do you use "whim-wham" in a sentence?
They′ll pull ye all to pieces for your Whim-whams, Your Garters and your Gloves,
Etymology
Uncertain; perhaps from North Germanic (compare Old Norse hvima (“to let the eyes wander”), Norwegian kvima (“to flutter”)), but in any case ultimately sound-symbolic/a fanciful reduplication (compare flim-flam).