# whip

/ˈhwɪp/ (US) · /wˈɪp/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/whip
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to hit with a tool

verb · CEFR B2

to hit someone or something with a long, thin tool like a rope or a leather strap.

For teachers: to strike with a whip or any flexible object, typically to punish or to drive an animal forward.

- The rider used the leather strap to whip the horse so it would run faster.
- Historically, sailors were often whipped as a form of corporal punishment for minor infractions of naval discipline.

### 2. to move quickly

verb · CEFR B1

to move or pull something very fast and suddenly.

For teachers: to move, take, or pull something with a sudden, rapid motion.

- He whipped out his phone to take a picture before the bird flew away.
- The wind whipped the laundry around the line, threatening to tear the damp sheets from their pegs.

### 3. to mix food

verb · CEFR B1

to stir cream or eggs very quickly to make them light and fluffy.

For teachers: to beat a liquid, such as cream or egg whites, rapidly to incorporate air and produce expansion.

- You need to whip the cream until it becomes thick and stays on the spoon.
- The chef instructed the apprentice to whip the egg whites until they formed stiff, glossy peaks for the meringue.

### 4. the tool

noun · CEFR B1

a long, thin piece of leather or rope with a handle, used for hitting.

For teachers: a flexible instrument, typically consisting of a lash attached to a handle, used for herding animals or corporal punishment.

- The lion tamer held a whip in one hand and a chair in the other.
- The crack of the whip echoed through the valley as the herder drove the cattle toward the summer pastures.

### 5. political official

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a person in a political party whose job is to make sure members vote the right way.

For teachers: a party official whose primary purpose is to ensure party discipline and attendance during parliamentary votes.

- The party whip told the members they must attend the vote on Tuesday.
- The government whip spent the afternoon lobbying backbenchers to ensure the controversial legislation passed without amendment.

### 6. a car

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang

a cool or expensive car.

For teachers: a motor vehicle, typically an automobile.

- He just bought a brand new whip and wants to show it to everyone.
- The rapper arrived at the awards ceremony in a custom-painted whip that cost more than most houses.

Teaching tip: This sense is common in hip-hop culture and urban slang; it is inappropriate for professional or academic contexts.

## Examples

- He just bought a brand new whip with leather seats.
- After saving for three years, he finally pulled up to the party in a shiny new whip.
- The music video features several vintage whips restored to pristine condition, serving as symbols of the artist's newfound wealth and status within the industry.

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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.