whiffle

[ hwif-uhl, wif- ]

verb (used without object)

, whif·fled, whif·fling.

1. to blow in light or shifting gusts or puffs, as the wind; veer or toss about irregularly.
2. to shift about; vacillate; be fickle.

verb (used with object)

, whif·fled, whif·fling.

1. to blow with light, shifting gusts.

whiffle

/ ˈwɪfəl /

verb

1. intr to think or behave in an erratic or unpredictable way
2. to blow or be blown fitfully or in gusts
3. intr to whistle softly

Word History and Origins

Origin of whiffle¹

First recorded in 1550–60; whiff ¹ + -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of whiffle¹

C16: frequentative of whiff ¹

Example Sentences

The Phillies and Nationals spent part of the day at the Little League International Complex and shared activities from cardboard sledding to whiffle ball games with the Little Leaguers.

From Washington Times

Especially in the first season, we played whiffle ball a bunch and we would just go grab dinner whenever we could.

From New York Times

Pickleball is played with a paddle and a plastic ball similar to a whiffle ball.

From Seattle Times

“Exactly, for Amy keeps me pointing due west most of the time, with only an occasional whiffle round to the south, and I haven’t had an easterly spell since I was married. Don’t know anything about the north, but am altogether salubrious and balmy, hey, my lady?”

From Literature

One team ordered whiffle ball bats.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• dither
• falter
• fluctuate
• hedge
• hesitate
• oscillate
• pause
• quiver
• seesaw
• shake
• sway
• teeter
• tremble
• vacillate
• vary
• waffle
• wobble