# whim

/ˈhwɪm/ (US) · /wˈɪm/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/whim
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a sudden wish or idea to do something, especially when there is no important reason for it. You use this when someone acts quickly without planning ahead.

For teachers: a sudden desire or change of mind, especially one that is unusual or unexplained. Often implies a lack of serious motive or deliberation.

## Examples

- She bought the expensive dress on a whim.
- The company's direction seemed to change at the whim of the CEO rather than following a long-term strategy.
- While some travelers plan every minute of their itinerary, others prefer the freedom of traveling on a whim, allowing local recommendations to dictate their next destination.

## Usage notes

- Frequently used in the prepositional phrase 'on a whim' or following 'at the' ('at the whim of').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.