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Whirr vs Whiz - What's the difference?

whirr | whiz |

As verbs the difference between whirr and whiz

is that whirr is to move or vibrate (something) with a buzzing sound while whiz is to make a whirring or hissing sound, similar to that of an object speeding through the air.

As nouns the difference between whirr and whiz

is that whirr is a sibilant buzz or vibration; the sound of something in rapid motion while whiz is a whirring or hissing sound (as above).

whirr

English

Alternative forms

* whir

Verb

(en verb)
  • To move or vibrate (something) with a buzzing sound.
  • To make a sibilant buzzing or droning sound.
  • To cause (something) to make such a sound.
  • Synonyms

    * (make a sibilant buzzing or droning sound ): buzz, drone, hum, purr, whine, whistle, whizz * (cause (something) to make such a sound ):

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A sibilant buzz or vibration; the sound of something in rapid motion.
  • A bustle of noise and excitement.
  • Synonyms

    * (sibilant buzz or vibration ): buzz, drone, hum, purr, whine, whistle, whizz * (bustle of noise and excitement ): bustle, hustle

    whiz

    English

    Alternative forms

    * whizz

    Verb

  • To make a whirring or hissing sound, similar to that of an object speeding through the air.
  • To rush or move swiftly with such a sound.
  • To throw or spin rapidly.
  • (vulgar, slang) To urinate.
  • We whizzed in the bushes.

    Noun

    (whizzes)
  • A whirring or hissing sound (as above).
  • (informal) Someone who is remarkably skilled at something.
  • An act of urination; a wiz.
  • I have to take a whiz .
  • (UK, slang, uncountable) amphetamine.
  • Synonyms

    * See also

    Derived terms

    * whiz kid